The Texas A&M Aggies secured a thrilling victory over the Florida Gators in the College World Series on Monday, advancing to the championship series where they will face the Tennessee Volunteers.
Texas A&M baseball punched their ticket to the College World Series championship series with a hard-fought 8-5 victory over the Florida Gators on Monday night in Omaha, Nebraska.
Texas A&M Baseball Advances to Championship Series with Win Over Florida
The Aggies, who entered the game as the underdog, displayed tremendous resilience and determination throughout the contest. Florida jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, but Texas A&M responded with three runs in the bottom of the frame to take the lead.
The Gators regained the advantage in the third inning with a two-run homer, but the Aggies once again showed their grit by tying the game in the fourth. Texas A&M took the lead for good in the fifth inning with a two-run single off the bat of Brett Minnich, and they extended their advantage with another run in the sixth inning.
Florida threatened to rally in the eighth inning with a solo homer, but the Aggies' bullpen held strong to secure the victory.
In the win, Texas A&M's offense was led by Mikey Hoehner, who went 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs. Minnich also contributed with two RBIs, while Trevor Werner and Zach DeLoach each had two hits.
On the mound, Chandler Jozwiak started for the Aggies and allowed four runs over 3 1/3 innings. Bryce Miller pitched 3 2/3 innings of relief, allowing only one run, while Ryan Prager closed out the game with a scoreless ninth inning.
Texas A&M head coach Jim Schlossnagle praised his team's resilience after the game.
"Our guys just kept battling," Schlossnagle said. "We didn't play our best game today, but we found a way to win."
The victory marks a historic achievement for Texas A&M baseball, as it is the first time the program has advanced to the championship series of the College World Series.
The Aggies will now face the Tennessee Volunteers, who have played their way to the championship series for the first time in school history. The best-of-three series is scheduled to begin on Tuesday night.
Texas A&M will enter the championship series as the underdog, but the team has shown throughout the tournament that they have the talent and determination to compete with anyone. The Aggies will need to bring their best effort to the field against a talented Tennessee team that has impressed throughout the College World Series.
Regardless of the outcome, Texas A&M baseball's remarkable run to the championship series has been a testament to the program's growth and success under coach Schlossnagle. The Aggies have represented their school and the state of Texas with pride and grit, and their journey has captured the hearts of fans across the country.