By: Shelbie Warr
By Shelbie Warr
To put it mildly, Texas A&M has struggled this season. Sitting at 0-6 in SEC play, after being swept by Alabama at home and Vanderbilt on the road, the margin for error is getting smaller and smaller. They weren't blown out in any of the six SEC matchups and did show a bit of fight as the games went on, but things have to get better and result in wins if this team wants to make it past the regular season and the SEC Tournament in Hoover, which for the first time this year will include every team in a single elimination format.
Starting pitching has been excellent for the Aggies, and the bullpen hasn't been as much of a problem as it seemed it would be at the start of the season. However, the offense has not been where it needs to be, which may be the most shocking development of this season so far. This lineup is stacked with talent, even with the season-ending injury to Gavin Grahovac and the fact that superstar sophomore Caden Sorrell hasn't seen the diamond yet this year. Now, with first baseman Gavin Kash banged up, they are going to have to figure this thing out and fast, whether Kash is there or not.
For this weekend, starters Ryan Prager, Justin Lamkin, and Myles Patton need to continue doing what they are doing, hitting their spots and getting guys out. The same could be said about the bullpen.
The offense needs to step up, though, but it would seem they are coming around, especially Jace LaViolette, who was expected to be the centerpiece of the lineup. LaViolette is one home run away from writing his name in the record book at Texas A&M as the all-time home run leader.
Look for that to happen this weekend against Kentucky, who is sitting 2-4 in conference play, winning one against Georgia and one against Auburn. They are also coming off a loss to Xavier in the midweek, while Texas A&M is coming off a win over Houston Christian.
Will that affect this series in terms of momentum? That remains to be seen. That being said, I think if Texas A&M can win at least two out of three, the season may start looking a bit better, albeit with still quite a bit of work to do.
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