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Texas A&M Softball

Herzog's two homers not enough as Tennessee walks off A&M, 3-2, in extras

May 12, 2021
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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.” 

“We’re just right there. You can’t get any closer without being there, winning games, than we are. We’ve got to find a way to close it off.” 
- Texas A&M head coach Jo Evans

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.

Discussion from...

Herzog's two homers not enough as Tennessee walks off A&M, 3-2, in extras

3,175 Views | 8 Replies | Last: 2 yr ago by chrishuff
NumberEinAg
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AG
This Team can't finish, they find a way to lose. Close doesn't matter. It's time for a change.
"They who would give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin
Stone44
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AG
We have everything in place except a coach. Jo must go....now. If our AD doesn't make a change quickly, then he needs to go. Just do it!
mullokmotx
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AG
Garret captured the problem. Will the NCAA committee still pick us with a 7 game losing streak? There may be extra at large spots this year if some conferences didn't play this spring. The committee may be looking for a reason to leave out a power 5 school.
mullokmotx
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AG
The UT pitcher, Ashley Rogers, threw a 1-hitter over Arkansas today with 12 strikeouts. She was 9-7 in SEC play with a 2.00 ERA. UT only had 2 hits, but 1 was a homer and won 1-0.
mullokmotx
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In 2 games in the tournament, 20 different players have batted against Rogers and only 2, Herzog, and Manzo of Arkansas, have gotten hits.
fieldtrailer
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They'd be smart to squeak the girls into the tourney to keep AD from firing Evans. How can you fire a coach that makes the NCAA tourney?

Could also be same for RC. Win next 2 series and a game in Hooterville. How dare A&M let one of the best pitching coaches in the country go after getting the team back to regionals.
SenorAG
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AG
Its simple really. Just enough isn't enough anymore. You have one of the richest sports programs in the nation, world class facilities, and a loyal and knowledgeable fan base. It's time to move on. Nothing short of a world series should save their job. It's time to stop accepting mediocrity.
chrishuff
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Please replace Jo Evans. The are a number of D1 softball coaches that have turned their programs around in a matter of a few years...Mizzou, Arkansas, Miss State, Oregon, the list goes on. Look at Clemson. How many more times will Jo Evans say, "I like our fight." That's not getting it done. Will we lose Hailey Lee to the portal? I heard an announcer for another SEC team comment that TAMU doesn't have the pitching to compete with the top programs in the country. I agree. Hiring Coach Snider was a good move. Firing Jo Evans would be a better move.
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