Aggies take series with 3-1 win over LSU

By TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Right-hander Kyle Simonds limited 10th-ranked LSU to one run in 6.2 innings Saturday as No. 2 Texas A&M edged the Tigers, 3-1, at Blue Bell Park. The win allowed the Aggies to post an SEC series victory over the Tigers, as they captured two of the three games.

Texas A&M improved to 21-3 and 4-2 in the SEC with the victory. LSU dropped to 16-7 overall and 2-4 in league play.

LSU plays host to Tulane at 6:30 p.m. CT Tuesday in Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. The game may be viewed online on SEC Network +, and it can be heard on affiliates of the LSU Sports Radio Network. Live audio and live stats are available at www.LSUsports.net.

Texas A&M starter Kyle Simonds improved to 5-0 on the year, as he worked 6.2 innings and allowed one run on eight hits with no walks and two strikeouts.

LSU starter John Valek III (4-1) was charged with the loss, but he limited the Aggies to just two runs on six hits in six innings with one walk and one strikeout.

Ryan Hendrix earned his fifth save after entering the game with two outs in the top of the eighth. Hendrix did not allow a run and struck out one in 1.1 innings.

LSU out-hit the Aggies, 9-8, but could not capitalize on its scoring opportunities.

“It was another very competitive, close game with Texas A&M, which seems to happen every time we play them,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. “Our pitchers did a tremendous job against a veteran lineup with a lot of firepower; unfortunately, we couldn’t get our offense going on a consistent basis and we missed some scoring opportunities. Overall, I’m proud of the way our young guys competed in a very tough road environment, and I feel like we can learn a lot from the experience and continue to build confidence from this point forward.”

Texas A&M broke a 0-0 tie in the bottom of the fourth when catcher Michael Barash lined an RBI single to score third baseman Boomer White from second base.
LSU tied the game in the top of the fifth when third baseman Greg Deichmann launched a solo homer, his third dinger of the season.

The Aggies regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth against Valek when rightfielder Nick Banks unloaded a solo dinger, his second of the season.

Texas A&M added a run in the eighth against LSU reliever Alden Cartwright when first baseman Hunter Melton belted an run-scoring triple.