Texas A&M (53-13) failed to complete a sweep of Tennessee (59-12) in the College World Series final on Sunday afternoon, losing 4-1. The Aggies’ offense was sluggish, star outfielder Jace LaViolette’s solo home run in the bottom of the first inning. After Saturday night’s win, the pitcher rotation was thin, forcing head coach Jim Schlossnagle to resort to his bullpen.
While the offense was sloppy, senior relief pitcher Chris Cortez was again outstanding for nearly five innings, recording seven strikeouts on 99 pitches, taking full advantage of what could be his final game in an Aggie uniform. However, with A&M short on pitchers that day, freshman Kaeden Wilson did his best to keep things close, but two two-run home runs by Tennessee in the 7th and 8th innings sealed the victory for the Volunteers.
Despite scoring only one run, the Aggie hitters woke up in the final frame, leading current first base coach and reserve all-rounder Ryan Prager to make his first postseason batting appearance with two men on base, only to blast one out to right that could have been a home run that would have tied the game.
A new day and a new game are upon us, and Aggie fans took to social media to express their disappointment but also their hope ahead of Monday night’s decisive game.
