Shane Sdao Injury Update: Texas A&M Pitcher Leaves Oregon Game
In a major setback to the Texas A&M baseball team playing at the Bryan-College Station Super Regional, starting pitcher Shane Sdao left the game against Oregon Ducks due to an apparent arm injury.
Early Exit from the Game
On his 11th pitch of the game, Sdao allowed a two-run home run to Oregon hitter Chase Meggers. Shortly after the hit, Sdao signaled for the trainers, hinting at a possible injury and left the field escorted by the team’s medical staff. The Aggies had to adjust quickly, calling relief pitcher Brad Rudis to replace Sdao.
Potent Player Sdao
Sdao, who entered the game with a promising 5-1 record and a 2.61 ERA in 48 1/3 innings with 55 strikeouts and only nine walks, is an integral player for Texas A&M. With two saves under his belt this season, he had become a dependable arm on the mound for the Aggies. However, in the match against Oregon, he allowed three consecutive hits before picking off Oregon leadoff hitter Mason Neville for his only recorded out of the game.
Accelerating Woes for Texas A&M
Adding to the agony, Rudis allowed back-to-back home runs to the next Oregon hitters, nullifying an early 1-0 lead the Aggies had secured in the top of the inning. With Braden Montgomery, Texas A&M’s star player, recovering from a lower-leg injury incurred on a slide at home on Saturday, Sdao’s injury piles more concerns for the Aggies.
Game Impact
The injury-induced early exit of Sdao from the game resulted in a humiliating loss of the early lead Texas A&M had enjoyed. The final batter that Sdao faced, Meggers, played a pivotal role in tipping the scale in favor of Oregon with a powerful two-run home run to right field, giving Oregon a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
Previous Disappointments
Sdao’s short outing follows another disappointing game for fan-favorite ace Ryan Prager, who also allowed six runs and recorded minimal outs in Game 1. The sudden exit of Sdao and Prager’s poor performance in the previous game will undoubtedly cause some anxiety for the Aggies moving forward.
Hope in the Bullpen?
Despite the back-to-back setbacks, relief has emerged in the form of reliever Chris Cortez who demonstrated excellent form, striking out a career-high 10 hitters on Saturday. Also, Evan Aschenbeck managed a five-out save for the Aggies in the regional round match last weekend against Louisiana.
The team is eagerly waiting for further medical evaluation of Sdao’s arm to determine the severity of the injury and how long it might keep the crucial pitcher off the mound.
This story will be updated.