Newcomer Braden Montgomery Hits Home Run In Texas A&M's Win Over McNeese State
COLLEGE STATION -- Braden Montgomery needed six pitches to remind Texas A&M fans why he was the top transfer in the portal this offseason.
Well that, and what to expect whenever he steps into the batter's box at Olsen Field.
Montgomery, a preseason All-American and potential first-round pick in the upcoming MLB draft cracked a no-doubt solo home run in the first inning off McNeese State's Zach Voss to give A&M a 1-0 lead and get the fan base talking.
Montgomery only launched one ball into the stands. The Aggies smacked five total, including two by preseason All-Amercian Jace LaViolette to secure a 15-0 season-opening win over the Cowboys.
"You don't write up too many storybooks better than that for that to be Montgomery's first at-bat," said A&M coach Jim Schlossnagle postgame.
The No. 8 Aggies remain a favorite to win the SEC regular season title under Schlossnagle and return to Omaha at the shot of the national championship. Even with the departures of Jack Moss, Hunter Haas, Brett Minnich, Trevor Werner, and a handful of pitching, the Aggies weren't going away quietly.
A&M picked up nine players via the transfer portal this offseason, including Montgomery, who helped end the Aggies' season last summer at the Stanford Regional. He, alongside LaViolette, carries the most weight at the national level.
Ethan Mito/Texas A&M Athletics
There's very little for Montgomery to prove in College Station to scouts. The two-way player was exceptional at the plate in his two seasons with the Cardinals, posting a .364 batting average with 35 homers and 118 RBI.
The move back south was more so to be closer to his hitting coach Jeremy Isenhower, who's trained multiple athletes while based in Tomball. It was a factor in making placing the Aggies at the top of his list over programs like Texas and hometown favorite Misssippi State.
That was one factor. Fan engagement was another.
"I love people that love baseball and man does the 12th Man love baseball," said Montgomery. "It was awesome being able to interact with them and to have them behind me the entire time. It makes it a little fun."
With Montgomery, the Aggies have options. He can hit anywhere from 2-7 in the lineup and play various positions, including designated hitter. On Friday, Montgomery started in left, LaViolette commanded center while Columbia transfer took over for Katy native in left.
That won't be set in stone. Depending on the lineup, Schlossnagle could elect to start Montgomery in left, or perhaps add another left-hander to the lineup by leaving him at DH.
On days where he doesn't take the field, Montgomery could be another bullpen arm, though Schlossnagle isn't giving him a spot in the rotation so easily. Last season at Stanford, the Madison native had a 1-2 record and a 12.21 ERA while tallying 19 strikeouts and 11 walks across 14 innings in 10 appearances.
On Friday, Montgomery only took the field as Ryan Prager dominated in his first start back from Tommy John surgery with nine strikeouts. As for Monty, he went 2-of-4 with a home run and RBI.
"He's been on two College World Series teams," said Schlossnagle. "I don't know how many times he's played in front of a crowd like this, but his experience showed through. I'm happy for him to [get his first] and move on with the season."
Last season, Montgomery ended the Aggies' campaign. This year, he's looking to extend it to Omaha before he departs for the majors.
Fans are already enamored with the switch-hitting outfielder's prowess at the plate. There's more under the hood entering Saturday that remains untapped, including exceptional defense and a cannon of an arm.
Montgomery played in front of packed crowds out in Palo Alto, but as he rounded second and headed to third, the sounds coming from Section 212 became a memory forever embedded in his playing career.
"Being able to look and interact and listen to [the fans] between innings and getting to be there was awesome," said Montgomery.
A&M returns to Blue Bell Park for Game 2 Saturday at 6 p.m.