Texas A&M Baseball: Aggies Kick Off SEC Play Against Kentucky

Even with very competitive starters, Texas A&M and Kentucky will both look to the bullpen to finish games strong.

Texas A&M Player to Watch

Junior lefty Kaylor Chafin (1-1, 2.45 ERA, 18.1 IP, 21 K, 7 BB) is a leader in the bullpen for Texas A&M. Chafin has started only one game with year, Incarnate Word, but has appeared 7 times in relief. He recorded 7 strikeouts in 6.1 IP against TCU, his longest outing this season. Since that game opponents have combined to hit 4 for 12 (.333) and Chafin has not allowed an earned run.

Kentucky Player to Watch

Kentucky has a very strong bullpen anchored by Cincinnati transfer, senior lefthander Colton Cleary  (1-0, 0.64 ERA, 14.0 IP, 14 K, 5 BB). Cleary has been consistent, going scoreless in 7 of his 8 appearances and only allowing one earned run all year. UK will mostly use Clearly as a lefty match up pitcher but the Aggies will face a huge challenge going up against Clearly, who has only given up 7 hits all season.

Next: SEC Baseball Preps for Conference Play

The SEC is the toughest conference in the nation, but thankfully the Aggies get to start off with Kentucky rather than LSU or Vanderbilt. It’s going to be a grind, but if Texas A&M can take it one weekend at a time they should have a post-season spot secured.

*** Stats: 12thman.com and ukathletics.com ***