Lessentine, Kennedy combine to beat Wichita State in Clearwater

Game #7: No. 5 Texas A&M 9, Wichita State 1
Record: Texas A&M (7-0, 0-0), Wichita State (5-2, 0-0)
WP: Sydney Lessentine (2-0)
LP: Alex Aguilar (3-1)
Save: Emiley Kennedy (1)
Box Score

In its opening game of the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational in Florida, No. 5 Texas A&M defeated Wichita State 9-1, pushing its unblemished record to 7-0.

The Aggies have a solid foundation for 2025. With speed and power in the offense and a solid pitching rotation, the team outperformed expectations last year. New additions brought fresh expertise to College Station, bolstering an already well-rounded roster.

That was on full display on Thursday.

“I thought we came out from the get-go,” head coach Trisha Ford said. “We hit the ball well, honestly, the whole game. As the game went on, we hit it right at them until finally, in that last inning, we broke through.

“Lessentine did a heck of a job out there. She pitched four really strong innings. It was a good win.”

Wichita State couldn't generate much momentum against Kentucky earlier in the day as the Shockers’ undefeated start to the year came to an end before facing A&M.

The Aggies struck early, scoring two runs in the first inning. Koko Wooley scored the opening run on a base hit from Mac Barbara, who is quickly proving to be a key addition to the team this year. Later, Barbara scored on a fielding error to increase the Aggies’ early lead to 2-0.

Sydney Lessentine got the start in the circle for A&M and looked comfortable in her second career start, holding Wichita State scoreless for the first three innings.

In the top of the second, KK Dement hit the game's first homer, the second home run of her freshman season, to give the Aggies a 3-0 lead.

In the fourth frame, Wichita State got its first run across as Taylor Sedlacek doubled to left center, plating Lauren Lucas.

Leading 3-1, Emiley Kennedy took the circle in the fifth in relief of Lessentine, who allowed three hits, one run, no free passes and struck out three Shocker hitters through four innings.

As she often does, “Lefty” put together another scoreless outing, pitching the final three frames to earn a save.

The Aggies loaded the bases in the top of the seventh inning, and Mya Perez opened up the floodgates, clearing the bases with a double to the left-center field gap.

“I thought (Perez) did a tremendous job tonight,” Ford said. “Taking her walks when she needed to. She hit the ball hard all night. That's what teams will do to Mac.

“They're going to pitch around her. They're going to get on base, and that is why Mya is there to protect her. Excited for Maya to go out there and do what she’s capable of doing and for us to get a win.”

Zoe Kelton, TexAgs

With three RBIs on Thursday, first baseman Mya Perez as now driven in 12 in seven games. She’s 8-for-18 (.444).

Enright singled home Scout Lovell, who pinch-ran for Perez, to make matters worse for the Shockers.

Soon after, Dement singled through the left side, scoring Enright. Dement advanced to second on a wild pitch, and Eschete walked, loading the bases.

A wild pitch from Erica Schertz allowed Dement to cross the plate, which would be A&M’s final run in a 9-1 opening victory in Clearwater.

The Aggies’ strong performance against Wichita State underscores their talent and provides a preview of the coming months when the tests become more difficult.

For A&M, the rest of the weekend in Clearwater features games against UCF, No. 10 Oklahoma State, Virginia and Charlotte.

The Ags return to action on Friday at 10 a.m. CT to face UCF.