Clutch walk-off hit wins it for Aggies

11 June 2022

Texas A&M Athletics
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The No. 7 Texas A&M baseball team is one win away from a trip to Omaha following Friday’s 5-4 walk-off victory over No. 9 Louisville in the opening game of the College Station Super Regional.

Graduate catcher Troy Claunch delivered Olsen Magic after midnight for the second time this season.

Prior to the timely hit, Trevor Werner drew a leadoff walk, Jack Moss singled and Ryan Targac got hit by a pitch, setting the scene for the California native to drive in the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

Jordan Thompson led the way at the plate going 2-for-4 and accounting for a run, three RBI, a walk and launching his fifth home run of the season in the seventh to tie the game.

Graduate transfer Jacob Palisch (6-3), starting pitcher Nathan Dettmer and Joseph Menefee combined for nine strikeouts on the night, including seven shutout innings.

TOP AGGIE PERFORMERS
Jacob Palisch: 2.0 P, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Jordan Thompson: 2-for-4, R, 3 RBI, BB, HR
Jack Moss: 3-for-6, R, 2B

GAME SUMMARY
B1| With one out, A&M loaded the bases courtesy of a double by Jack Moss and a pair of walks issued to Dylan Rock and Austin Bost. Troy Claunch was hit by a pitch, allowing Moss to touch home. A&M 1, UL 0

T2| UL responded immediately by plating three. A leadoff single, one-out single and walk issued to Isaac Humphrey set the stage for a 2-RBI single by Logan Beard, followed by a sac-fly by Ben Bianco to plate the Cardinals’ third run of the frame. UL 3, A&M 1

T3| A two-out double by Brett Minnich and single through the left side by Jordan Thompson allowed the Aggies to cut the Cardinals deficit in half. UL 3, A&M 2

T5| With one out, the Cardinals capitalized on an A&M fielding error and a double by Ben Metzinger to extend their lead to two. UL 4, A&M 2

T7| A leadoff single by Troy Claunch allowed a one out, two-run tater by Thompson to knot the game at four apiece. A&M 4, UL 4

B9| The Aggies loaded the bases with Werner drawing a leadoff walk, Austin Bost single and Ryan Targac being hit by a pitch. With two outs, Claunch singled through the right side, sending Werner home and propelling A&M past the Cardinals. A&M 5, UL 4

UP NEXT
The Aggies return to Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park on Saturday at 2 p.m. for game two against Louisville and a chance to punch their ticket to the College World Series.