Texas A&M vs. Florida: Wednesday, June 19, 2024

TEXAS A&M VS. FLORIDA: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2024 — There’s only one team left in this tournament that doesn’t have a loss, and it’s the Aggies. They only just have that mark, as they survived the first day because of great defense. Florida nearly completed the comeback when Cade Kurland launched a deep ball toward the fence, only for Jace LaViolette to bring it back into the park and preserve the Aggies’ 3-2 win.

That’s the good news for the Aggies. The bad news is that LaViolette’s not going to be at full strength today, if he plays at all.

Related: NCAA Baseball Tournament – College Station Regional

LaViolette suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Kentucky, and he’s only had 48 hours to get himself back on track. With Braden Montgomery already down, the Aggies’ outfield really cannot afford to lose another outfielder to injury.

Florida’s concern is its pitching. The Gators have to play two games Wednesday thanks to the Omaha weather, and their bullpen was never a strength anyway. Florida did get a gift in an easy win over Kentucky to start the day, which meant they didn’t have to waste their best pitchers. But with A&M’s bullpen at full strength, winning a pair of games against a side that hasn’t lost yet will be a tall order for the Gators.

The Odds

First Pitch

When: Wednesday, June 19 at 8 p.m. EST

Where: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha, Neb. 

TV: ESPN

Players to Watch

Florida’s loss to Texas A&M in the first meeting in Omaha could best be described as death by a thousand cuts. OK, it’s closer to 10 cuts, but the point still holds. The Aggies only managed one extra-base hit in the win over the Gators, but it was an RBI double from Caden Sorrell that gave A&M its third run of the game. That lead stood up, as the Aggies’ pitching held up for the rest of the night.

Related: College World Series FAQs

In 18 innings, Texas A&M pitchers have taken a liking to Omaha. The Aggies have given up just three runs in Omaha, which makes the job difficult for Florida slugger Jac Caglianone. Caglianone did come up with two hits in the previous game, but the Aggies kept each of them in the ballpark. Given that Caglianone became Florida’s all-time home run leader earlier in the day against Kentucky, that’s no small feat. Whether the Aggies can keep his bat from sending one toward Iowa will decide this one.

The Prediction

Florida’s biggest issue all season has been its bullpen. The Gators ended up almost missing the tournament because they couldn’t get the outs they needed. They’ve done a much better job in the postseason, but they also haven’t had to face an opponent of Texas A&M’s quality.

Related: NCAA Baseball Tournament – Stillwater Regional

The Aggies have a big edge here based on the depth of their pitching. Florida made its way back through the loser’s bracket in the regionals, but doing it against this team seems a bridge too far. Even with A&M’s outfield hurting, the Aggies should survive and reach the CWS finals.