COLLEGE STATION – After a brisk weekend travel to Monroe, LA, the Texas State Bobcats (12-8, 0-3 SBC) loaded up the buses yet again to face off against the No. 23 Texas A&M Aggies (17-3, 1-2 SEC), losing 9-6 in a close battle at Blue Bell Park in College Station, Texas.
After a hot start to the season, the woes continued for the Bobcats as they fell for the fifth consecutive game, dating back to last Tuesday, March 10, against the Texas Longhorns.
“Our energy was right, our competition was right, our execution was a lot better on all sides of the ball,” head coach Steven Trout said. “But obviously, we played a really good team. It takes a little bit more.”
The Bobcats struck first in the top of the second by tacking on multiple singles and scoring four runs. Junior pitcher Will Canalichio started the game for Texas State and kept the Aggies off the board for the first three innings.
Texas A&M found its stride in the bottom of the fourth, as junior infielder Chris Hacopian started the scoring with a leadoff home run. Multiple walks ensued the home run and allowed the Aggies to enter a prime scoring position.
After a bases loaded single brought home another run, the Bobcats switched to redshirt freshman Alex Yearwood, who immediately gave up two more runs to even the score at four-all.
The Aggies continued their onslaught with an RBI single to take the lead before a three-run home run from junior centerfielder Caden Sorrell capped off a seven-run scoring inning, taking a 7-4 lead entering the fifth.
The Bobcats attempted to claw back the following inning, as an RBI double from sophomore infielder Dawson Park brought senior catcher Rashawn Galloway home. Redshirt sophomore first basemen Ethan Farris grounded out to shortstop, but still allowed Park to score, shortening the Aggies’ lead to 7-6.
Texas A&M turned it on again at the bottom of the seventh as Sorrell delivered with the longball once more with a two-run home run into left to extend their lead to 9-6, with this score ultimately finishing the scoring and resulting in a victory for the Aggies.
The Bobcats head back home to Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos to face off against No. 25 Louisiana at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 6. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+.
