Heartbreaking.
Unfortunately for Texas A&M, another blown lead resulted in one of the most disappointing losses of the season. It was a highly intense matchup throughout, but Tennessee claimed victory with a walk-off double in extra innings, 3-2.
“We’re just right there. You can’t get any closer without being there, winning games, than we are,” said Texas A&M head coach Jo Evans. “We’ve got to find a way to close it off.”
Despite the loss, Makinzy Herzog had a career performance. All four of the Aggies’ hits came off her bat, with two home runs and two doubles. Herzog also relieved Kayla Poynter in the fifth after a walk, allowing just two hits in the final 4.1 innings, one of which was the walk-off two-run double.
The first-team All-SEC star could only do so much.
Tennessee pitcher Ashley Rogers threw 174 pitches and struck out 13 batters. Her only kryptonite was Herzog, who has hit three of the 13 homers Rogers has allowed this season. Despite appearing to be experiencing some pain in her throwing hand, Rogers never left the circle, leading the Lady Vols into round two of the SEC Tournament.
“Rogers showed why she’s as good as she is,” Evans said. “I thought she did a really nice job when we threatened. She really shut it down.”
The game was indicative of a season of missed opportunities as the Ags stranded 10 runners on base.
“We had opportunities. We positioned ourselves to be able to get a timely hit and get a run,” said Evans. “I thought we had some productive outs and productive at-bats. We did have our chances.”
A&M is now 31-21 overall and finishes 8-17 in conference play. The Aggies are still winless all-time in SEC Tournament games in seven tries.
Texas A&M is now at the mercy of the selection committee and will await to hear their fate on Sunday, May, during the NCAA Selection Show. Ranking 41st in RPI, the Aggies sit squarely on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament.
