What a game, and what a postseason run so far for Texas A&M (50-13), who defeated the Florida Gators (34-29) 3-2 in the opening round of the College World Series in the early hours of Sunday morning after a four-hour weather delay put the game in question due to storms, and tornado warning in Omaha, Nebraska.
In one of the more impressive pitching performances of the year thus far, Texas A&M head coach Jim Schlossnagle opted to start lefty Justin Lamkin due to Shane Sao’s season-ending injury. The sophomore looked for redemption after being pushed down the depth chart toward the end of the regular season due to several shaky appearances.
Strategic as usual, Lamkin only lasted three innings, recording six strikeouts while allowing just one hit, as junior Chris Cortez entered in the 4th frame, also striking out six, but allowed four hits and Florida’s two runs on the night.
While the Aggies’ offense stalled after scoring three runs in the second and third innings, it was up to Evan Aschenbeck, recently named Stopper of the Year, to hold up the Gator’s late run. The senior put on his usual gutsy performance with four Ks, coupled with Jace LaViolette’s incredible home run-stealing grab, which quite literally saved the game for the Maroon & White. Texas A&M will now face Kentucky on Monday night at 6:00 p.m. CT.
After the game, fans took to social media to express their collective excitement after the late-night finish.