Difficult 16-inning end to 2015 serves as motivator this season
Texas A&M was on the short end of one of the best super regional games in history last June, and the Aggies haven’t forgotten their 5-4 loss at TCU in 16 innings in the deciding contest. With much of the same gang back on a team projected for the College World Series, the Aggies are using that memorable finish as motivation.
Projected lineup: 2B Ryne Birk 3B Boomer White CF Nick Banks 1B Hunter Melton LF Joel Davis DH Ronnie Gideon RF Blake Kopetsky C Michael Barash SS George Janca
Top pitchers: RHP Kyle Simonds RHP Corbin Martin RHP Jace Vines RHP Tyler Ivey
Coach: Rob Childress (409-222-2 in 11th season at A&M). 2015 record: 50-14. Conference: Southeastern. Preseason ranking (Baseball America): 3rd. Projected SEC finish: 2nd. Last postseason appearance: 2015, Fort Worth super regional.
Key additions: 3B Boomer White, RHP Jace Vines.
Key losses: LHP Tyler Stubblefield, RHP Grayson Long.
Player to watch: CF Nick
Banks.
Newcomer to watch: RHP
Tyler Ivey.
Stat that matters: 50. The Aggies won at least 50 games (54) for the first time under Childress last season, and they’ll need at least as many to earn a host bid for a coveted super regional. Three story lines to keep an eye on:
1. Will the Aggies show enough to earn home-field advantage throughout the postseason? Last year, in a controversial move, the selection committee gave TCU a super regional bid over A&M in a photo finish. The Aggies want to leave no doubt about playing at Blue Bell Park throughout this season.
2. Will Nick Banks live up to his billing? The touted amateur draft prospect, with a strong arm and a sweet swing, was one of the SEC’s top hitters last season. The Aggies are counting on the junior to lead the way this season — and setting a good example for the youngsters won’t be an issue for the disciplined Banks.
3. Who’s going to fill those cleats? A&M was counting on projected ace Tyler Stubblefield on Friday nights, but he was dismissed for the dreaded violation of team rules this winter. The Aggies have a handful of talented candidates to take on that role, and Kyle Simonds will get dibs.
Can reach Omaha if: The Aggies add power to their anticipated pop in hitting and pitching. No chance of reaching Omaha if: Teams tee off on all of their righthanded pitching.