Texas A&M Aggies Move Into Top 3 Of Latest Baseball America Rankings

The Texas A&M Aggies look to be on the rise after going 4-0 last week against Houston Christian and Auburn.

Texas A&M continues its climb toward college baseball's top spot following its sweep over Auburn at Blue Bell Park.

The Aggies moved up two spots in the latest Baseball America rankings, appearing at No. 3 entering the month of April. A&M (25-3, 6-3 SEC) secured a midweek over Houston Christian as well to bolster their rankings.

Few players have been more influential toward a roster's success than outfielder Braden Montgomery. In three games against the Tigers, the Stanford transfer batted .500 (7-of-14) with four home runs, a double, two walks, eight runs scored and seven RBI.

Montgomery secured Saturday's extra-inning win over the then-No. 21 Tigers with a leadoff double in the 12th to set up the eventual game-winning RBI from Ted Burton.

“You got a team over there fighting, scratching and clawing to get back in the conference race, so proud of our guys to hang in,” A&M coach Jim Schlossnagle said. 

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Montgomery should be considered a favorite to win the Golden Spikes in 2024 if the Aggies continue their run to Omaha. Entering Tuesday, he leads all NCAA hitters with 47 RBI and ranks second in home runs with 16.

On the mound, Evan Aschenbeck continues to be the backbone of the bullpen, picking up the win in Friday's outing. Over two games, the left-hander fanned five Tigers and allowed one run in five innings pitched.

In four innings of relief on Friday, Aschenbeck was in rare form, allowing one home run against five strikeouts while working his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth.

"What more can be said about the guy than has already been said? The biggest decision I have to make all weekend, every weekend, is: When are we going to use him?" Schlossnagle said. "I just felt like that was the time."

While Aschenbeck likely won't earn top pitcher of the year, he could be the top reliever in the SEC with his .96 ERA, second-lowest among all NCAA-qualified pitchers. His .77 WHIP also ranks second among SEC pitching behind Arkansas' Hagen Smith (.74).

The Aggies hit the road for their toughest stretch of games to date beginning Tuesday in San Marcos against Texas St. A&M then travels to Columbia for a three-game series against South Carolina beginning Friday.

The No. 15 Gamecocks have been nearly unstoppable at Founders Park, posting a 17-1 record.