Texas A&M (53-13) is just 27 outs away from winning the first major National Championship program history after defeating top-seeded Tennessee 9-5 on Saturday night. The Aggies’ offense woke up early, scoring seven runs in the first and third innings.
Aggies’ ace Ryan Prager once again demonstrated his prowess on the mound, delivering a stellar performance with unwavering confidence. He recorded six strikeouts and allowed just two earned runs after 81 pitches in four innings, a testament to his skill and dedication.
After the redshirt sophomore walked to the bench with a standing ovation, Josh Stewart relied on his nasty pitching style to get through two more innings with four Ks while allowing just two more runs. After two quick pitches from Ryan Rudis, which led to a solo Tennessee home run, elite closer Evan Aschenbeck came in.
Throwing with his usual swagger, the senior was lights out in critical moments, recording seven strikeouts with just two hits, and after 46 pitches, Aschenbeck knows that a short is likely imminent regarding the stakes at hand:
“It’s the College World Series. I will be ready to go. There is not a doubt in my mind.”
Offensively, everyone contributed. SEC Freshman of the Year 3B Gavin Grahovic led things off in first with a huge solo home run to take the early 1-0 lead, followed by fellow freshman Caden Sorrell’s RBI single to finish out the inning.
Going into the third, the Aggie bats exploded for five runs. In contrast, junior CWS standout Kaeden Kent, who went 3-5 with four RBI on the night, ended the frame with an RBI single. Kent then returned in the seventh with a two-run homer to essentially end the game at 9-2 before the Vols’ late three-run rally.
Heading into Sunday afternoon, head coach Jim Schlossnagle has yet to announce a starting pitcher but knows that junior Chris Cortez will be a part of the rotation regardless.
“(Chris) Cortez will be a part of it, more than likely. We have to decide what to do with (Justin) Lamkin.”
“There will be guys who haven’t pitched yet that will have to give us something.”
Texas A&M will face Tennessee in Game 2 of the College World Series on Sunday, June 23 at 1:00 p.m. CT. The game will air on ABC and be available for streaming on ESPN+.
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