Florida set to face Texas A&M in Men’s College World Series opener

The Florida Gators baseball team was just one win away from winning a national championship last season. But in Game 3 of the Men’s College World Series finale, LSU dismantled UF 18-4 to send the Gators back to Gainesville with a somber feeling.

Fast forward to 2024, Florida was ranked in the top 5 in every preseason poll, and the team was scheduled to return to Omaha.

Despite high expectations heading into the season, the task of returning to the MCWS seemed extremely difficult for the Gators. But what happened twelve, six or even four weeks ago doesn’t matter. Florida is getting hot at the right time, and it carried its momentum through the postseason into Omaha with a chance to avenge a heartbreaking loss in the 2023 national championship.

Texas A&M brings an impressive record of 49-13 on the season. However, two of its losses came to the Gators in a three-game home set at Condron Ballpark.

Aggies sophomore left-handed pitcher Justin Lamkin will get the start on the mound after not starting a game in A&M’s regional or super regional. The southpaw is 2-2 with 71 strikeouts while posting a 5.73 ERA this season.

The Aggies have dangerous hitters in their lineup with five starters posting a batting average above .300. Second-year right fielder Jace LaViolette leads the way with a team-high 28 home runs this season and 71 RBIs.

Florida freshman pitcher Liam Peterson will have his hands full in what will be the biggest start of his college career on a big stage. It will be crucial for the freshman to calm his nerves early and produce a quality start, much like he did in the latter part of the Gators’ season.

Peterson will be challenged by several A&M offensive threats.

Senior catcher Jackson Appel is the scheduled leadoff hitter for the Aggies and has a .330 batting average this season with 70 total hits.

The Gators will have to succeed in defeating A&M to position themselves in the MCWS winners’ category.

The Aggies hold the advantage over UF in batting average, runs, hits and home runs. However, the biggest advantage Texas A&M might hold over Florida lies in the bump.

A&M’s pitching staff has pushed for a 3.94 ERA this year, compared to a 6.16 ERA for the Gators. But the Gators’ bats have been electric lately after a nine-and-12-point outing at the plate in the Clemson Super Regional.