Jim Schlossnagle evaluates Texas A&M early pitching performance against Florida

Texas A&M head coach Jim Schlossnagle took a risk in the first game of the College World Series. Justin Lamkin was tasked with starting against Florida, hopefully pushing the Aggies into the winner’s bracket. Despite a short appearance, the job he was set out to accomplish was done by Lamkin.

Schlossnagle was happy with how the sophomore pitched after having some rough outings to close out the regular season. But injuries have Texas A&M using a lot of starting pitching depth. They will need as many arms as they can in Omaha, especially with each win.

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Lamkin only pitched three innings but Schlossnagle has plans to use him later in the week.

“He looked really good,” Schlossnagle said when speaking to ESPN’s Kris Budden. “Fastball, changeup, little cutter, slider. Thought he did a great job. We’re trying to navigate this tournament without a second or third starting pitcher, really.

“So, we took him out because we’re going to, hopefully, need him again later this week.”

In those three innings, Lamkin struck out six Florida hitters and did not see too many reach base. One hit and no walks meant the Texas A&M pitcher saw one batter over the minimum. An impressive performance when his team needed it the most.

Schlossnagle then called upon Chris Cortez in relief, handing the ball over early. Cortez has been fantastic thus far and since the interview was finished, he has wrapped up two innings of scoreless ball.

If there is anything to look for, avoiding walks is at the top of Schlossnagle’s list.

“I mean, he’s up to 100 miles per hour with great run and sink,” Schlossnagle said. “He’s throwing his breaking ball for strikes. He’s got to pitch ahead of the count and can’t give up free bases.”

Texas A&M is leading through five innings, getting out to an early 3-0 lead. But with how Florida is able to swing the bat, Schlossnagle knows the game can switch at any moment. No matter who is on the mound, continuing to get outs is the biggest priority.

Lamkin was successful and Cortez did the required work too, at least for now. Texas A&M will depend on him for a little more but eventually move to another bullpen arm. All in order to get the incredibly important first win at the College World Series.