By: Shelbie Warr
No. 1 Texas A&M swept Elon this weekend, in front of an A&M record of 20,606 fans across three games. The Aggies outscored the Phoenix 32-14 over the three games, scoring in double digits in two of the three. The usual suspects for A&M shined and some of the newcomers began their emergence to being household names in Aggieland. True freshman Terrence Kiell II shined all weekend in replacement of the injured Caden Sorrell and Jace LaViolette did what he does, hit big time homers and work walks. Guys like Ryan Prager, Isaac Morton, Myles Patton and Brad Rudis were strong on the mound for the Ags.
Friday, February 14, 2025 Final Score: Texas A&M 4 Elon 2
Friday's matchup was a low-scoring affair, highlighted by Aggie ace Ryan Prager- though he did not notch the win in the game despite leaving without giving up a run. The win was earned by sophomore Weston Moss, who will be a big part of the Aggie pitching staff as the season continues. All told, it was a strong pitching performance across the board- allowing only 5 hits and 2 runs on Friday. Peyton Smith and Kaiden Wilson each only recorded one out and showed some signs of struggle, but with the season as young as it is, that shouldn't be too big of a worry just yet. Clayton Freshcorn finished the game with an inning and a third of no-hit baseball- a welcome sign from the sophomore transfer.
The offense was a bit stagnant on Friday night, especially compared to the rest of the weekend, but it was just enough to win the game. It was highlighted by the first home run of the season for Texas A&M by a less-than-expected hitter- first baseman Blake Binderup. According to head coach Michael Earley, he has had a strong fall and spring and earned the starting job at first base for opening weekend. It will be interesting to see that position throughout the season though, as the Aggies have an embarrassment of riches that could play all across the field.
Saturday, February 15, 2025 Final Score: Texas A&M 16
Elon 6
Saturday brought the offense that Friday was missing- ending after 7 innings due to run rule. The long ball highlighted the game- four being hit in total by the Aggies. Junior superstar Jace LaViolette belted two, including an effectively game-ending grand slam in the bottom of the 6th, shown below. Gavin Grahovac and Hayden Schott each added a home run of their own in a second come-from-behind win against Elon.
On the pitching side of things, starter Justin Lamkin wasn't lights out, but he did just enough in four innings to keep the Aggies in the game. In one inning pitched, Luke Jackson gave up 3 runs on 2 hits in an outing that was less than ideal, but Coach Earley said on the radio before game 3 that letting Jackson finish his inning was a big deal in building confidence for him going forward. Isaac Morton was everything the Aggies needed him to be in the final two innings, allowing 2 hits and no runs to close out Game 2.
Sunday, February 16, 2025 Final Score:
Texas A&M 12
Elon 6
Going for the sweep on a Sunday will never be a bad thing, especially for a first year head coach in Michael Earley. This game ended early due to travel time, but a win is a win. Long Beach transfer Myles Patton was as advertised, a strong strike thrower who stays calm, cool, and collected on the mound no matter what happens behind him. Patton finished 5 innings of one run ball and notched the win in this matchup. We saw some struggles from Ty Baker, Blayne Lyne and Peyton Smith, but Brad Rudis came in and did what Brad Rudis does and finished the game off for the Aggies.
Offensively, LaViolette got the Aggies started with his third homer of the weekend- a two-run shot in the first. Kaeden Kent hit his third grand slam of his Aggie career to put the team up 9-1 in the 5th that was followed by transfer catcher Jacob Galloway's first homer of the season to put the Aggies up 11-1. The Phoenix did try to come back, but due to time constraints and Brad Rudis on the mound- this one ends with a 12-6 win for Texas A&M to push them to 3-0 on the young season.
What's Coming
Texas A&M faces off against 2-1 McNeese on Tuesday at 6 pm CT at home. McNeese won their first two games against Wichita State opening weekend before dropping Game 3 on Sunday. Next weekend, Texas A&M will play a three-game set against Cal Poly at home as well, who is 0-3 on the young season after being swept by UCLA to open the year. They hung in on Friday, dropping the game 3-2. However, Saturday and Sunday were not as forgiving for Cal Poly. Friday's game starts at 6 pm CT, Saturday's at 2 pm CT and Sunday's at 1 pm CT.
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