Freshmen ignite offense with multiple homers, overpowering Texas A&M-Corpus Christi as Aggie pitching dominates, securing another win.
No. 24 Texas A&M kept its early-season momentum rolling Tuesday night, using a home run barrage and sharp pitching to defeat Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 8-3, at Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park.
The Aggies (4-0) showcased depth throughout the lineup, collecting nine hits while eight different players reached safely. The headline, though, belonged to three freshmen who left the yard in a statement performance that energized the crowd of 5,385 in College Station.
After falling behind 2-0 on a pair of early Islanders home runs, Texas A&M chipped away. Nico Partida sparked the comeback in the fourth inning, crushing a 416-foot solo shot for his second home run of the young season.
The breakthrough came in the sixth, as Travis Chestnut singled to set the table, and Boston Kellner delivered the biggest swing of his young career. The freshman launched a two-run homer off the left-center scoreboard, flipping a one-run deficit into a 3-2 Aggie advantage.
Corpus Christi briefly evened the game in the seventh, but the tie didn’t last long.
Jorian Wilson stepped to the plate and hammered the first pitch he saw 387 feet over the bullpen in right field. The blast - his first collegiate hit and first career home run - put Texas A&M back in control at 5-3.
In the eighth, Bear Harrison drilled his first homer of the season, and Terrence Kiel II later lined a two-run single that extended the lead to five runs. Gavin Grahovac contributed a strong night at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with a double and two walks.
On the mound, Gavin Lyons provided a steady start. The right-hander worked five innings, surrendered four hits and two earned runs, and struck out a career-high six without issuing a walk.
Ethan Darden (1-0) earned the win in relief, striking out three over two innings while allowing just one run. Juan Vargas and Clayton Freshcorn closed the door with scoreless frames, combining for four strikeouts.
Perhaps most impressive: the Aggie pitching staff did not issue a single walk, underscoring its command and control.
With the victory, Texas A&M improved to 16-0 all-time against the Islanders and continued to build momentum in nonconference play.
If the freshmen power surge and disciplined pitching are any indication, the Aggies look poised to climb even higher in the national rankings as the season unfolds.