Aggies open baseball season ranked No. 1 against Elon

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – The Texas A&M Aggies are set to kick off their baseball season ranked No. 1 nationally as they face off against the Elon Phoenix on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Blue Bell Park. After a runner-up finish in the College World Series last year, the team enters the season with high expectations under new head coach Michael Earley.

Fans are already buzzing with excitement, and many have begun tailgating in the parking lot leading up to the season opener. Among them, the Lamkin family of Corpus Christi has made it a tradition to camp in their RV to support their son, Justin, who is taking the mound this season. “We’ve met some great friends and enjoy supporting the team together,” said Jeff Lamkin.

The energy is palpable not just among seasoned fans. Freshman Martha Johnson is looking forward to her first Aggie baseball game. “I’m so excited to see the Aggie spirit in person,” she said. “I’ve watched it on TV, but experiencing it live is something else.”

As the team prepares, Coach Earley is focused on establishing a cohesive dynamic among both returning players and fresh transfers. The Aggies will likely feature five newcomers in their starting lineup on Friday, including standout Wyatt Henseler, a former Penn player and the 2024 Ivy League Player of the Year.

Henseler, who led his previous team with a .360 batting average and 22 home runs last season, is eager to make his mark in the SEC. “The first time you talk to Wyatt, you know what he’s all about,” Coach Earley remarked.

In addition to Henseler, the Aggies have brought in catchers Jacob Galloway from Southern California and Bear Harrison from Saint Mary’s to fill the significant void left by Jackson Appel. Last season, Appel started 59 games, batting .331. Coach Earley noted the importance of how catchers manage their pitching staff, as he seeks to build the best possible lineup.

The center field position will be anchored by consensus preseason player of the year Jace LaViolette, while transfer Gavin Kash and freshman Terrence Kiel II will round out the outfield. Kash started all but one game for Texas Tech last season, hitting .300 with 15 home runs.

Despite injuries affecting some players, such as Caden Sorrell, the depth on the roster allows for new talent to shine. Freshman Kiel performed notably during the team’s open scrimmage, impressing teammates and earning a starting spot.

As the team readies to display their abilities, returners like ace Ryan Prager and lefty Justin Lamkin will lead the pitching rotation. Transfer Myles Patton from Long Beach State will also contribute, having recorded a solid ERA of 3.26 the previous season.

With the target now on their back as the top-ranked team, the Aggies are ready to embrace the challenge. “People want to beat us; the number might change, but the target is always there,” Coach Earley concluded. The Aggies’ home crowd and their passionate baseball culture create the perfect stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season ahead.