Texas A&M announces surprise starting pitcher for Florida game in College World Series

Texas A&M coach Jim Schlossnagle is changing up his starting pitching rotation as the Aggies prepare to begin College World Series play on Saturday.

Schlossnagle announced that it will be sophomore lefty Justin Lamkin who gets the start against Florida — and not staff ace Ryan Prager. This will be Lamkin’s first start since May 11.

Sophomore left hander Justin Lamkin will start for Texas A&M tomorrow night against Florida to open the Aggies’ stay at the College World Series.

— Ryan Brauninger (@R_Brauninger) June 14, 2024

Lamkin has made just 1 appearance so far this postseason. Back on June 2, he recorded 1 out in a game against Louisiana and gave up 2 earned runs. He has a 5.73 ERA in 55 innings of work this season.

Florida is, on paper, the weakest team to make it to Omaha. The Gators were a No. 3 seed in the regional round but have pulled off some impressive upsets on their way to the College World Series. By resting Prager in this game, A&M may be setting up to have him available in what it hopes will be a winner’s bracket matchup in the second round.

Lamkin has also had some success against Florida this season. He faced the Gators back on March 17 and went 4.2 innings while allowing 4 hits, 2 walks and 2 earned runs. It was a significantly-better showing than Prager had against Florida in that same series — 2.1 innings, 7 hits and 6 earned runs.

Florida will throw Liam Peterson in Game 1 against the Aggies. Peterson, a freshman righty, threw 2 innings in a start against A&M earlier this season and gave up 6 earned runs. The Aggies tagged him with 3 homers in that matchup.

Texas A&M was as high as -200 on the money line at some sports books to beat Florida prior to this announcement. The Aggies are now -160, per the latest odds from DraftKings.

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First pitch between Texas A&M and Florida is set for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday night.

Spenser Davis

Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.