Texas A&M HC states that 'every pitcher' will be available on Saturday
Buckle up for what could be another high scoring game on Saturday vs. Mississippi State due to a lack of pitching options for the Aggies.
No. 10 Texas A&M (38-13, 17-11 SEC) needed a victory on Friday against No. 13 Mississippi State to force a rubber match on Saturday, and thanks to Caden Sorrell's early home run and six RBI night, the star junior was just a single away from completing the cycle, but earning the all-important 11-9 win was the primary goal from the start.
After giving up 13 runs in one inning, falling 18-11 in Game 1 on Thursday, the Aggies started things off with an early 2-0 lead, similar to Thursday's start, but the Bulldogs responded in nearly every inning, hitting four home runs, while taking a 5-4 lead heading into the bottom of the third. Since freshman third baseman Nico Partida's hamstring injury, senior Blake Binderup has provided a boost at the plate, and after hitting two home runs vs. Ole Miss last weekend, Binderup blasted his 9th home run of the year, scoring three runs to take what would become a permanent lead despite Mississippi State's four runs in the fourth and sixth frames.
Still, Texas A&M 's pitching continues to serve as the team's liability and could keep the Aggies from making the College World Series. After a shaky start from Weston Moss, Shane Sdao wasn't any better, allowing five runs in four innings, leading to reliable closer Clayton Freshcorn saving the game in three innings of work. Throwing 52 pitches, Freshcorn allowed zero runs and just two hits, coupled with five strikeouts, earning his SEC-leading 12th save of the year.
Using three pitchers, Shane Sdao's 71 pitches likely make him unavailable for Sunday's rubber match, while Weston Moss's 48 pitches keep his door open. After Friday's win, second-year coach Michael Earley stated that "every pitcher" will be available for Sunday's game, but has yet to decide on a starter, especially since star LHP Aiden Sims will not pitch this weekend due to arm tightness. For what it's worth, Freshcorn stated that he will be available if needed, knowing that the Aggies will not play again in the SEC Tournament until later next week.