Overview
No.1 Texas A&M had their seven-game winning streak interrupted on Sunday when they suffered a 10-9 loss to No. 14 Alabama. The setback took place at the Sewell-Thomas Stadium where the Aggies faced a resilient Alabama pitcher, whose phenomenal pitch saw the Aggies pitcher, Justin Lamkin, concede five runs in only 1 2/3 innings. This is Lamkin’s second straight start where he was forced out before completing the second inning.
Game Details
Alabama’s catcher Mac Guscette proved to be pivotal in consolidating the team’s position, just as he did in yesterday’s game where he delivered a grand slam against the Aggies. His second consecutive grand slam immensely increased the damage on Lamkin, thereby securing a five-run frame for Alabama. Guscette’s performance this weekend consisted of eight hits and 16 RBIs.
Despite the impressive offensive on Alabama’s part, Texas A&M was not far behind in their bid to bridge the gap. The Aggie’s leadoff hitter, Gavin Grahovac, a freshman, took the lead by adding four RBIs, summing up 10 RBIs in the three-game series.
Ups And Downs in The Game
A&M managed to take the lead (8-7) post the three-run sixth which saw Travis Chestnut delivering an RBI triple and Jace LaViolette hitting a two-run homer. This was A&M’s sole home run of the match, but it matched with LaViolette’s 21st, equal to his output during his freshman season.
Notwithstanding these upsides, A&M couldn’t hold their momentum, succumbing to Alabama’s relentless challenge. Alabama’s Gage Miller led the resurgence by hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth. This was followed up by Bryce Elgin, the second baseman, who made a two-RBI single in the seventh inning, which tilted the game in favor of Alabama.
Game’s Final Moments
During the tumultuous final moments of the game, with two outs and the Aggie’s runners positioned on second and third in the bottom of the ninth, a critical hit could’ve got the tying run across the base. However, Chestnut’s flyout to right outfield signalled the end. Alton Davis, Alabama’s reliever, stranded A&M, thus securing his team’s victory.
The Western Aggies used six arms during the game, by bringing back Chris Cortez and Shane Sdao for the final 1 2/3 innings that followed their previous day’s match. The loss was handed to Kaiden Wilson, the Aggies’ reliever, who conceded two runs on three hits in 2/3 of an inning.
Upcoming Match
Post this defeat, the Aggies are due to square off against Houston next Tuesday. Houston’s team will be led by their Head Coach Todd Whitting, an ex-assistant of the A&M head coach Jim Schlossnagle. A&M’s next encounter promises interesting dynamics, and fans hope for a spectacular performance on the field.
