Ty Coleman’s first inning, three-run home run set the tone as the No. 18 Texas A&M Aggies rolled to an 8-3 win over the Rice Owls Tuesday evening on Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park.
Bryce Blaum and Braden Shewmake paced the Aggies offensively. Blaum recorded two hits, one run, one stolen base and one RBI, while Shewmake went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base and a double. Ty Coleman and Jonathan Ducoff led the way with runners in scoring position. Coleman logged the ice-breaking, three-run blast and Ducoff punched a two-run single through the left side of the infield in the fifth. Coleman added a steal of home in the fifth.
The Aggies threw six pitchers at the Owls in the win. Chris Weber got the start, and tossed 2.2 innings, yielding one run on one hit and two walks while fanning five. Chandler Jozwiak (3-1) earned the win in relief, throwing 2.1 hitless innings, giving up four free bags while striking out five. Dustin Saenz, Mason Cole and Brandon Birdsell each tossed a scoreless frame.
The Maroon & White pitching staff combined for 11 strikeouts – the 16th double-digit strikeout performance of the season. The Aggies held the Owls to 1-for-13 at the plate with runners on base.
Texas A&M improved to 18-5 while Rice dropped to 8-15.
The Aggies take on the Kentucky Wildcats for their first road SEC matchup of the season. The three-game series begins Friday with first pitch at 5:32 p.m.