No. 3 A&M caps perfect non-conference record with run-rule of Rice

Game #49: No. 3 Texas A&M 16, Rice 3 (7 innings)
Records: Texas A&M (41-8, 16-8), Rice (19-29, 9-12)
WP: Brad Rudis (5-0)
LP: Mauricio Rodriguez (1-1)
Box Score

Finished the non-conference schedule unblemished. 

For the first time since 2015 — and second time ever — Texas A&M finished its non-conference slate a perfect 25-0 with a 16-3 run-rule victory over Rice.

“We didn’t play the greatest schedule, but we won the games,” A&M head coach Jim Schlossnagle said. “We’ve played below-average teams and lost to them in the past. It’s hard to win all these games. The game’s not built for that, especially against the teams we get to play in the state.” 

The Aggies also finished 12-0 against in-state competition by defeating the Owls. 

“It says a lot about the maturity of our team and the depth of our pitching,” Schlossnagle said. 

Much like the other 24 victories, the Aggies took advantage of weaker pitching, mashing the ball all over the field and working quality at-bats. 

Four balls left the yard, and the Maroon & White also drew 11 walks. 

The first ball that left the yard was a leadoff shot from Gavin Grahovac in the first inning. 

“I think he threw a changeup, and he hung it a little bit, so I got ahold of that one,” Grahovac said. 

Braden Montgomery followed up two batters later with an opposite-field blast, breaking an 0-for-19 skid at the plate. 

Caden Sorrell hit his sixth homer of the year in the fourth inning to put the Aggies ahead 6-1. 

However, the next long ball made history. 

With a fourth inning, two-run shot, Jace LaViolette tied John Byington in third place for career home runs in program history with 47.

LaViolette is only nine homers away from tying Daylan Holt in first place (56) and still has at least another year in the Maroon & White. 

“It’s awesome he’s coming back next year,” Schlossnagle joked postgame. “Jace is a great player, obviously, and we knew that when we came here. He’s getting better every day and he’s playing a great centerfield.” 

Things got ugly for the visitors in the sixth inning as they walked a pair of batters and hit Jack Bell to load the bases. Matthew Rheaume entered the game on the mound following the HBP and proceeded to walk all five batters he faced, plating five runs for the Aggies. 

The first of those walks was drawn by Kaeden Kent, who made his first career start at first base.

Kent has now played at every infield position in his career, including some time in left field. 

Son of former big leaguer Jeff Kent, Kaeden has turned himself into a true utility man and a reliable option anywhere needed.

“Kaeden has extreme value to a team,” Schlossnagle said. “There’s a lot of teams he would start on and he’s started here before. He’s got versatility.” 

Zoe Kelton, TexAgs

Gavin Grahovac, Braden Montgomery and Caden Sorrell each recorded mult-hit outings for the Aggies on Tuesday, finishing a combined 7-for-10.

While Ted Burton continues to nurse an injury, Kent proved to be up to the task as his replacement. 

He finished the day 1-for-2 at the plate with a double, a walk and also making a memorable stretch to catch a ball at first base. 

As of late, Kent has also come on well at the plate.

Last week against Tarleton, in place of an injured Grahovac, Kent played third and went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and three RBIs. 

On Sunday against LSU, Kent hammered a pinch-hit grand slam into the stands in right field at Alex Box Stadium. That homer was his first of the season and just the second of his career. 

“He’s getting better, and he’s starting to lift the ball a bit and hit some homers,” Schlossnagle said. 

Following the Aggies’ final midweek contest of the season, they will hit the road once again this weekend to take on Ole Miss.

Although the Rebels are 9-15 in conference play, last weekend in Baton Rouge proved any trip in the Southeastern Conference is a challenge. 

“We’ve proven that we can win anywhere and lose anywhere,” Schlossnagle said. “LSU wasn’t playing that great and they got it going. We have to play good baseball and find a way to win a series.”