Texas A&M Baseball Rallies Past McNeese 13-10 As Freshmen Deliver In Exhibition

Texas A&M baseball wrapped up its fall exhibition schedule Friday night with plenty of offense, some encouraging performances from its young players and more than a few reminders that there's still work to do before Opening Day.

Freshman Cole Travers delivered a clutch two-run home run, Nico Partida reached base six times, and the Aggies outlasted McNeese 13-10 in a scheduled 12-inning exhibition at Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park.

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The victory gave head coach Michael Earley a positive conclusion to fall competition, although the Aggies' 14 hits and 16 walks told only part of the story.

Texas A&M also stranded 19 runners, committed three defensive errors and issued eight walks.

Those numbers aren't exactly what Earley wants to see heading into the offseason.

But the offense certainly provided reasons for optimism.

Partida, one of Texas A&M's most important returning players, finished a perfect 3-for-3 with three walks, reaching base in all six plate appearances.

The sophomore infielder continued demonstrating the offensive consistency that made him a Freshman All-American last season.

The Aggies initially struggled to generate offense, falling behind 2-0 before breaking through with four runs in the fifth inning.

McNeese eventually reclaimed the advantage in the ninth, but Texas A&M responded with a five-run rally, taking advantage of four consecutive bases-loaded walks.

The Cowboys weren't finished.

Two Aggie defensive errors helped McNeese tie the game at 10 in the 10th inning, setting the stage for the night's biggest offensive moment.

Travers stepped to the plate and launched a two-run homer off the scoreboard beyond the left-field fence, restoring Texas A&M's lead.

Zane Becker, who joined Partida with three hits, added an RBI single in the 12th inning to complete the scoring.

The pitching staff also produced several encouraging performances.

Starter Gavin Lyons struck out five batters across two innings, including three in the opening frame.

Logan Prisco retired all six hitters he faced while recording three strikeouts.

Freshman Chandler Hart provided another strong performance, striking out the side in the 12th inning.

Overall, Texas A&M used 11 pitchers, allowing Earley and pitching coach Barry Enright to evaluate numerous arms ahead of the 2027 season.

The staff's ability to generate swings and misses was encouraging, but its control issues remain an obvious concern.

Texas A&M will now turn its attention toward winter preparation after splitting its two fall exhibitions, having previously dropped a 9-5 decision to Rice.

The Aggies return 15 letterwinners from last season and have added several highly regarded transfers, including hitters Nate Savoie, Lane Arroyos and Alec Blair.

The 2027 regular season begins February 19 against Milwaukee at Blue Bell Park.

For Earley, Friday's performance offered a glimpse of what this roster might become.

The offense has intriguing potential, the young players are making an impact, and the pitching staff has promising depth.

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But cleaning up the defense, limiting free passes and delivering with runners in scoring position will be critical.

The Aggies have talent. Now they need consistency.