Texas A&M's disappointing 2021 season concludes with 8-2 loss to LSU

Game #56: LSU 8, Texas A&M 2
Records: Texas A&M (29-27, 9-21), LSU (34-21, 13-17)
WP: Ma'Khail Hilliard (6-0)
LP: Chris Weber (1-3)
Box score

A disappointing end to a disappointing year.

Texas A&M dropped Saturday's series finale to LSU, 8-2, and with it, the frustrating 2021 campaign is officially in the books. The Aggies finished 13th out of 14 in the SEC with a 9-21 league record, just two games over .500 overall at 29-27.

"Certainly, I'm disappointed," said Texas A&M head coach Rob Childress. "I'm disappointed for our guys that they don't get the opportunity of the postseason experience."

After being officially eliminated from postseason contention last night, many expect Rob Childress will not return next season as Texas A&M's head coach. With his contract up, the A&M coach said he has yet to have those types of discussions.

"That's not my call," Rob Childress said. "I'm very proud of the things that we've accomplished over the 16 years here."

Rumors and rain clouds loomed large over Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park, and three first-inning errors by the Aggies set the tone, gifting LSU with a pair of unearned runs to open the game.

"It was just an 'on-our-heels' beginning," Rob Childress said.

Two innings later, the Tigers bombarded the Maroon & White with three home runs, scoring four runs in the third to extend their lead to 6-0. The lead stretched to seven in the fourth.

"We made a few mistakes early," said Hunter Coleman. "That happened. That's baseball."

Starting pitcher Chris Weber exited after three innings, allowing six runs on six hits. Behind him, Nathan Dettmer gave up another run in the fourth before Jonathan Childress stabilized the ballgame. LSU scored once more in the ninth off Mason Ornelas.

"Just trying to fill up the zone, throw strikes and see what happens," Jonathan Childress said of his performance. "It worked out well."

Opposite A&M's struggles on the mound, Ma'Khail Hilliard kept the Aggies at bay, allowing just two runs on six hits across seven efficient innings.

"We had four extra-base hits," Coleman said. "I don't know what to tell you besides that."

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Frizzell finished the season with 19 home runs and should earn All-SEC and All-American honors.

Coleman notched his final RBI in Maroon & White in the fourth, and Austin Bost drove home Will Frizzell in the fifth for the Aggies' last run of 2021.

Emotions bookended the afternoon as the Aggies honored 13 seniors pregame and then had to address the speculation surrounding Rob Childress' future. A tearful Coleman spoke of him as a father figure.

"Not only do you get better as a player, but he prepares you," Coleman said. "You know you're going to walk out of here a better man."

With postseason baseball slated to begin next week, the Aggies will watch from home for the first time since 2006. Saturday's affair was A&M's first ballgame with no postseason implications since 1994.

"It's been a long time since we've had to deal with what we're dealing with today," Rob Childress said.