Three reasons Texas A&M baseball gets a win in game 1 of College World Series Final

Here are three reasons for optimism ahead of Texas A&M baseball’s matchup with Tennessee.

Jun 19, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Texas A&M Aggies pitcher Josh Stewart (34) and catcher Jackson Appel (20) walk off the mound after the end of the sixth inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports / Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

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Why Texas A&M baseball wins Game 1 of College World Series finals: Prager’s excellence

Ace pitcher Ryan Prager will take the mound tonight against the Vols, and he will have a Herculean task ahead of him. As I mentioned, Big Orange boasts a power-hitting lineup that threatens to go yard at any time. Of course, Prager has faced more than his fair share of potent offenses in his starts this year; it is exceedingly rare that any are able to perform up to their normal potential when facing him.

For all the power and intimidation this Tennessee lineup brings, they have a penchant to chase at times. Some of this will be contingent on the ump calling a good game, but if Prager can work the corners and get this Volunteer team to chase—especially if the Aggie offense gets up early—then it could be bad news for Tennessee.

It seems likely to me that the Aggies can leverage Prager’s excellence to build an early lead in this one. The Ags are patient at the plate on the other side of things, so if they are able to get some runs in early, with Prager in command, it could be a long night for the Volunteer bats.

Conversely, if UT is able to get to Prager early and often, the Aggies could be put in an unenviable position. Without Shane Sdao, the Ags are limited in their options, so getting to the bullpen will be a priority for the Vols.

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