Texas A&M baseball's season is more than likely at an end with their loss tonight to LSU. The Tigers came into this one ranked as the top team in the land, and they proved just why in their win over a valiant Aggies team, albeit one that was lacking in their normal star power.
One star who did play unexpectedly was Jace LaViolette. After breaking his ring finger in the game yesterday, LaViolette had it repaired this morning and still, somehow, suited up for this game as a designated hitter.
Though this was a mark of courage that showed just why LaViolette is rightly lionized by the Aggie faithful, there were questions about just how effective he could be. After all, I've never played college baseball, but I'm willing to go out on a limb and say that I would probably be much worse with a broken finger than I am with two healthy hands!
But Jace is clearly made of different stuff. His performance was not only courageous tonight, it was downright excellent.
Jace LaViolette drives in two runs with broken finger but Texas A&M falls to no. 1 LSU
LaViolette drove in two of the Aggies' three runs in this one, but the Aggies fell one score short. Texas A&M had actually scored the tying run at one point, but a replay-initiated review called Ben Royo for runner interference on a borderline play, putting Gavin Kash back at third.
A perfect bunt from Terrence Kiel Jr. gave Kash another chance to score, but he stayed at third for some reason. The Aggies went down swinging, ending the threat.
A&M got another runner on third with two outs in the 9th, but with Eyanson dealing on the mound for the Tigers, they were unable to capitalize. The Aggies lost, 4-3, despite the heroics of Jace.
This was more than likely the last game in an Aggie uniform for Jace, who will be a high selection in the MLB Draft. The same can be said for Michael Earley, in all probability, with the Aggies facing long odds to make a regional.
This has been a disappointing season for the Aggies, but it hasn't been one without some amazing moments. Jace's play tonight adds to that, but it won't be enough to wash away the sting of "what could have been" that will linger around this year for quite some time to come.