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Texas A&M Baseball: Aggies Head to Show Me State for Series with Missouri

By Matthew McNairy

Apr 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a baseball on the field prior to a game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a baseball on the field prior to a game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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Texas A&M Pitching

Ace Brigham Hill bounced back in a big way last Friday against Tennessee (7 shutout innings) after allowing at least four runs in four out of his last six previous starts. I fully expect his rebound to continue against a Tigers squad that has not hit the ball well in SEC play.

Corbin Martin has excelled as the Saturday starter. A big reason for his success is that he is limiting his walks, which were a major problem for him earlier this year. In three of his last four starts, he has allowed two or fewer walks. In each of those three games he pitched through at least the seventh inning. He is the hottest arm on the Aggies staff as his 2.35 ERA is tops amongst Aggie starters and relievers in conference play that have thrown at least one full inning.

Sunday starter Stephen Kolek has been on a roll recently throwing for 25 strikeouts in his last three starts surpassing the 20 strikeouts he had thrown in all his other seven previous starts. His 11 K’s last Sunday were a career strikeout high for him in a 7IP,3H,2BB line. His great recent performance is a sign of mental toughness after giving up 10 runs to Vanderbilt on March 25th.

Bullpen

The improved pitching performances of the starting trio has allowed the bullpen not to be overextended which has only enhanced their play. The bullpen has been a major factor in the Aggie winning four straight SEC series by having a recent 20 inning scoreless stretch that was broken by Alabama on Friday, April 14th.

Kaylor Chafin has been a big part of that holding batters to a .167 batting average in conference play with a 2.57 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP. In the closer’s role, Mitchell KiIkenny has been lights out with six saves (all against SEC teams) and has only allowed three runs to score in the past month.