Texas State takes down No. 1 Texas A&M behind strong pitching performance
Some things never change for Texas State. During the 2022 season, pitcher Tristan Stivors delivered the final strikeout before flashing the ‘Horns Down’ hand signal following the Bobcats’ win over the No. 1 Texas Longhorns on the road.
Fast forward three years later, sophomore pitcher Alex Valentin flashed the ‘Thumbs Down’ in Texas State’s win over No. 1 Texas A&M.
Following another strong pitching performance and a five-run third inning, the Bobcats defeated the Aggies 7-3 in Texas State’s first win over the No.1 ranked team since 2022.
Texas State improves their overall record to 6-2 along with their first win over the Aggies since 2019. The Bobcats struck first in spectacular fashion when sophomore shortstop Ryne Farber connected with a leadoff home run in the first at-bat of the game, giving Texas State a 1-0 lead.
Texas A&M answered back with back to back home runs in the bottom of the first, making it a 2-1 game.
The Aggie lead didn’t last long.
Facing two outs with runners on first and second, senior designated hitter Austin Eaton blasted a three-run home run over the wall in left field to give the Bobcats the lead back at 4-2.
But the Bobcats were not finished yet in the inning.
Junior third baseman Chase Mora, junior second baseman Cole Tabor and senior first baseman Cam Thompson all forced walks to load up the bases. Sophomore right fielder Samson Pugh capitalized on the situation, hitting a two-run RBI single, extending the lead to 6-2.
Pugh later struck again for the Bobcats, hitting another RBI single to push the lead up 7-2.
With the Texas State bats going to work, the Bobcat defense put in their fair share.
Junior starting pitcher Jesus Tovar rebounded after a rough first inning to throw 4.1 innings while allowing just five hits, two earned runs, four walks and striking out seven batters.
Coming in for relief, Valentin rounded out the game for the Bobcats, earning his first win of the season, throwing 4.2 innings and allowing just two hits, one earned run and two walks while striking out five batters. Both Tovar and Valentin had a combined 12 strikeouts.
The Aggies made one last comeback attempt in the ninth inning.
After a leadoff walk, Texas A&M scored on a twoout RBI single, cutting the Bobcat lead down to 7-3.
Though an Aggie comeback looked to be on the horizon, the Bobcats slammed the door shut.
Aggies connected with a hard hit liner into left field that had the potential to add more runs to the A&M offense. However, freshman leftfielder Zachary Gingrich made the diving catch to both save a run and seal the win over the Aggies.
Texas State returns home Friday night in a three-game series with the Grand Canyon Antelopes. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
cmcwilliams @sanmarcosrecord.com Twitter: @ColtonBMc
The Bobcats celebrate Austin Eaton’s home run in the bottom of the 3rd inning during Texas State’s win over No.1 Texas A&M. Photo submitted by TXST Atheletics
