Texas A&M takes down Vols behind Corbin Martin, solid defense, 3-1

The Aggies came into Saturday afternoon looking for their fourth straight series win in SEC play as they faced off with the Tennessee Volunteers in game two of the weekend at Olsen Field.

Although the bats were fairly quiet, Corbin Martin and the Aggie defense were at their best in the 3-1 victory.

The Aggies were able to get on the board early in the top of the first. After reaching on an error by pitcher Garrett Stallings, A&M center fielder Nick Choruby came around to score from third on a Joel Davis RBI-groundout with the bases loaded.

The second run of the day for A&M came in the bottom of the third after a lead-off walk. Choruby scored once again on an RBI-groundout – this time by Braden Shewmake. The run made gave the Aggies the lead, 2-1.

The story of the day however was the man who toed the rubber, junior right-hander Corbin Martin. Martin was phenomenal on Saturday, scattering six hits throughout his eight innings of work and allowing just one run while striking out three.

“He was fabulous on the mound, and we played great defense behind him. It was a great day,” said Rob Childress of his starter's performance.

He added: “He just continues to grow. He’s been good, okay, then good and okay again. We just talked about validating last week's performance, and I feel like he was really committed to going and doing that."

Martin echoed his coach's sentiments.

“I feel really good. I’m validating my starts. Early in the year, I wasn’t throwing strikes where I wanted to be, and I feel like I've been a lot more efficient. Also trusting the guys behind me to make plays,” he said.

The one blemish on the day for Martin came in the top of the second. After a lead-off bloop single by Volunteer first baseman Andre Lupcius, the Tennessee left-fielder roped a double into the left field corner, scoring Lupcius and giving the Vols their only run of the day.

Offensively, the Aggies didn't provide much to speak of in Saturday’s game. Tennessee starter Garrett Stallings kept the Aggie bats down throughout his seven innings of work, allowing only two earned runs and four hits. The Aggies did hit some balls hard and in play, but every time they did, the Volunteers were there to make the play.

“We were very opportunistic and very fortunate the past two days. We left some runners out there on the bases early, but we were able to extend the lead late with a big two-strike hit from Austin Homan,” said Childress.

Homan's was the only RBI hit on the day for the Aggies, and it came in the seventh. After a George Janca single to lead off the inning and a Blake Kopetsky sacrifice to move Janca to second, Homan came through with a line drive single to center that allowed Janca to score, extending the lead to 3-1.

Defensively the Aggies played well all day and were led by catcher Cole Bedford. Bedford was able to throw out the Tennessee pinch-runner Jay Charleston on a ball in the dirt. Charleston was trying to steal third with one out in the top of the seventh to give the Vol’s a shot to tie the game at two.

“He (Bedford) has been fantastic – he and Hunter Coleman both. Cole Bedford the last two days has been marvelous. Three outs on the bases because of his arm. He’s been special.”

Mitchell Kilkenny came on to close the game out in the ninth. Kilkenny faced the minimum – in large part due to a nice defensive play by Joel Davis and Austin Homan.

After Kilkenny surrendered a lead-off single, Andre Lupcius hit a hard ground ball right at Davis. Davis fired the ball to Homan covering the bag at second, and Homan returned the ball back to Davis for the 3-6-3 double play. Kilkenny proceeded to strike out Jay Charleston swinging to end the ball game.

The Aggies will go for the sweep of Tennessee tomorrow afternoon at Olsen Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Stephen Kolek will take the mound for A&M.