No Saturday game in the NCAA Tournament will mean more than what’s taking place in College Station. Texas A&M is playing host to the in-state rival Texas after both teams won on Friday. A spot in the regional final is on the line but more importantly, bragging rights.
Texas A&M head coach Jim Schlossnagle sent Ryan Prager out on the mound for the game. Outside of the first pitch of the game — giving up a home run — it’s been a good outing for Prager. But Schlossnagle still sees some areas of potential importance.
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“Getting better,” Schlossnagle said during an in-game interview with ESPN. “Started off a little light. Ambushed him the first pitch of the game, which we knew he’s be swinging. Kudos to him for getting it out of the ballpark. But I think he’s getting a little bit better. Need to try to get a little cleaner inning and get caught up on these pitches.”
Prager must have heard Schlossnagle’s interview because in the bottom of the fourth inning, he went out and threw an immaculate inning. Nine pitches, all strikes — retiring the Longhorns as easy as you like. Not a bad way to get the crowd going in College Station.
On the other side, Texas is enjoying a nice performance from Lebarron Johnson, something we have seen in the NCAA Tournament in the past.
Schlossnagle wants to continue to get Johnson’s pitch count up and hopefully get into the bullpen at some point. Being down by just a run means one mistake from a Texas bullpen guy could wind up being the difference.
“Try to recognize that split, up,” Schlossnagle said on what Texas A&M needs to do better vs. Johnson. “It’s really hard. We’re normally pretty good at swinging at the strikes and taking the balls. He’s going right now.
“We got him at 75 pitches. So, if we can get through this half inning, maybe get in the bullpen in the next two innings.”
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