Hoover, AL – May 23, 2025 – The LSU Tigers (43-13) defeated the Texas A&M Aggies (30-26) by a score of 4-3 in the Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament today at the Hoover Met. The game, played under clear, calm skies, lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes with an attendance of 13,627.
LSU took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning when Derek Curiel (#6) doubled, followed by a double from designated hitter Ethan Frey (#16) that scored a run, and catcher Luis Hernandez (#23) grounded out to drive in another, making it 2-0. The Tigers extended their lead in the third inning on a two-run home run to left center by Ethan Frey (#16). These two runs were unearned due to a fielding error by Texas A&M shortstop Kaeden Kent (#6).
Texas A&M battled back, scoring two runs in the top of the fourth inning. After Kaeden Kent (#6) walked and advanced on a passed ball, designated hitter Jace LaViolette (#17) singled to right field to score him. First baseman Gavin Kash (#4) then hit a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring third baseman Wyatt Henseler (#8) who had singled earlier in the inning. The Aggies added another run in the sixth inning when Jace LaViolette (#17) hit a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Kaeden Kent (#6) who had doubled to lead off the inning.
LSU’s pitching was key to securing the win. Starter Kade Anderson (#32) earned the win (8-1), pitching 6.0 innings, allowing three earned runs on four hits while striking out a dominant 12 batters. Coach Jay Johnson called Anderson the “best pitcher in the country” (tied) and noted his talent and character. Anderson credited believing in his coach and having full faith in his catcher Luis Hernandez (#23), stating he trusts him “with my life back there”. Anthony Eyanson (#24) earned his first save of the season (1), throwing 3.0 scoreless innings in relief, striking out four. Coach Johnson revealed it was the plan to pitch Eyanson in relief to manage his load for future games and that he is “really clutch”.
For Texas A&M, starter Myles Patton (#23) took the loss (3-5), giving up four runs (two earned) over 4.2 innings. Reliever Clayton Freshcorn (#25) was effective, pitching 3.1 scoreless innings with five strikeouts. Freshcorn commented on his success, saying he could “throw every pitch at any count” and the pressure made him perform. Texas A&M Head Coach Michael Earley praised both pitchers, saying Patton “competed” and Freshcorn was “outstanding”.
A remarkable story from the game was Jace LaViolette (#17) playing after having hand surgery the previous night. LaViolette confirmed he “Got hit in the hand yesterday, broke a bone in there got surgery and played today,” adding that he wanted to win and would “run through a brick wall for this guy” [Coach Earley]. Coach Earley called it “one of the most unbelievable thing I have ever seen,” showing how much LaViolette cares about his team. LaViolette expressed immense gratitude for his time at Texas A&M and playing for Coach Earley, stating he’d “die for him” and that Earley changed him as a player and person.
LSU advances in the tournament, while Texas A&M’s tournament run concludes.
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