The Tarleton State Texans baseball team showed grit and determination as they faced off against the top-ranked Texas A&M Aggies on Sunday afternoon in College Station.
Despite ultimately falling 9-5, the Texans proved they can compete with the best in the nation.
Texans Start Strong
Tarleton State came out swinging, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning to take an early 2-0 lead.
Shortstop Blake Burns drove in both runs with a double to left-center field. The Texans’ aggressive baserunning put pressure on the Aggies’ defense from the start.
Aggies Answer Back
Texas A&M, boasting a 37-3 record entering the game, responded quickly in the bottom of the first. The Aggies plated three runs to take a 3-2 lead, capitalizing on a Texan error and a two-run home run by designated hitter Ryan Targac.
The Aggies added another run in the third inning to extend their lead to 4-2. However, Tarleton State refused to go down quietly.
Texans Rally in the Sixth
In the top of the sixth, the Texans mounted a rally. Third baseman Kemuel Thomas-Rivera launched a solo home run to cut the deficit to 4-3.
Later in the inning, with two outs and runners on first and second, catcher Colby Seltzer singled to right field, driving in the tying run.
I was just looking for a pitch I could drive, Seltzer said after the game. I got a fastball over the plate and put a good swing on it.
Aggies Pull Away Late
The game remained tied until the bottom of the seventh when Texas A&M broke through with four runs. The Aggies took advantage of two Tarleton State errors and got key hits from first baseman Jack Moss and left fielder Dylan Rock.
Texas A&M added an insurance run in the eighth, making the score 9-4. The Texans managed to push one more run across in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
Building for the Future
Despite the loss, Tarleton State head coach Aaron Meade saw positives in his team’s performance. “I’m proud of the way our guys competed today,“ Meade said.
We went toe-to-toe with the top team in the country and showed that we belong on the same field.
The Texans, now 22-18 on the season, will look to build on this experience as they continue their transition to Division I baseball. With a young, talented roster, Tarleton State has a bright future ahead.
Texas A&M, meanwhile, improves to 38-3 and solidifies its position as the nation’s #1 team. The Aggies have their sights set on a return to the College World Series in Omaha, where they finished as runners-up last season.
The Texans will aim to rebound in their next game on Tuesday night when they host the University of Texas-Arlington. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 PM at the Cecil Ballow Baseball Complex in Stephenville, Texas.
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