GAINESVILLE – The No. 3 Texas A&M baseball team (17-1) dropped its first contest of the 2024 season Friday night, falling to No. 8 Florida (11-6), 8-6, in the series opener from Condron Family Ballpark.
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Despite a strong performance in relief, Chris Cortez was handed the loss after allowing two runs over four innings. The junior also struck out a career-high tying eight batters on the night. Starter Ryan Prager saw his 24-inning scoreless streak snapped as the redshirt sophomore allowed six runs in 2.1 innings of work. Overall, the Aggie staff allowed a season-high five home runs on the night.
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After the Gators struck first with a pair of runs in the opening frame, the Aggies responded a five-spot in the second to jump in front 5-2. With the bases loaded and one out, Ali Camarillo plated Hayden Schott, who led off the frame with a hit-by-pitch, with an RBI fielder's choice. Kaeden Kent followed with a game-tying RBI single to center before freshman Gavin Grahovac ripped a three-run homer over the wall in center. The long ball marked the fifth of the year for the freshman and second in as many games.
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Florida answered in the bottom half of the third with four runs to regain the lead, 6-5. A solo homer, RBI single and three-run homer accounted for the damage from the Gators in the frame. Â
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Jackson Appel delivered the response for the Aggies in the top half of the fourth as the senior blasted a solo shot 446 feet over the wall in left center. The homer marked the third of the season for the Texas A&M starting catcher.
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After Cortez retired nine straight, seven by way of the strikeout, the Gators broke through against the junior in the sixth with a solo blast to regain the lead, 7-6. Â Florida tacked on an insurance run in the seventh with its fourth solo homer of the night to make the final 8-6.
Inside the Box Score
The Aggies will look to bounce back tomorrow as game two is set for 5:30 p.m. CST.
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Visit for more information on Texas A&M baseball. Fans can keep up to date with the A&M baseball team on Facebook, Instagram and X by following @aggiebaseball.
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Despite a strong performance in relief, Chris Cortez was handed the loss after allowing two runs over four innings. The junior also struck out a career-high tying eight batters on the night. Starter Ryan Prager saw his 24-inning scoreless streak snapped as the redshirt sophomore allowed six runs in 2.1 innings of work. Overall, the Aggie staff allowed a season-high five home runs on the night.
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After the Gators struck first with a pair of runs in the opening frame, the Aggies responded a five-spot in the second to jump in front 5-2. With the bases loaded and one out, Ali Camarillo plated Hayden Schott, who led off the frame with a hit-by-pitch, with an RBI fielder's choice. Kaeden Kent followed with a game-tying RBI single to center before freshman Gavin Grahovac ripped a three-run homer over the wall in center. The long ball marked the fifth of the year for the freshman and second in as many games.
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Florida answered in the bottom half of the third with four runs to regain the lead, 6-5. A solo homer, RBI single and three-run homer accounted for the damage from the Gators in the frame. Â
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Jackson Appel delivered the response for the Aggies in the top half of the fourth as the senior blasted a solo shot 446 feet over the wall in left center. The homer marked the third of the season for the Texas A&M starting catcher.
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After Cortez retired nine straight, seven by way of the strikeout, the Gators broke through against the junior in the sixth with a solo blast to regain the lead, 7-6. Â Florida tacked on an insurance run in the seventh with its fourth solo homer of the night to make the final 8-6.
Inside the Box Score
- Texas A&M totaled seven hits on the evening and drew a season-low one walk.
- Appel was the lone Aggie to record a multi-hit game, finishing 2-for-3.
- Five other Maroon & White batters logged a hit on the night.
- As a staff, the Aggies struck out 10 Gators.
- Brad Rudis (0.2) and Weston Moss (1.0) each logged scoreless appearances for Texas A&M.
- Friday's series opener marked the 28th meeting all-time between the two clubs.
- Despite the loss, the Maroon & White still lead the all-time series 15-13. Â
- Prager saw his 24-inning scoreless streak snapped in the loss. The scoreless streak was the longest by an Aggie since at least 2000. Â
- Cortez struck out seven consecutive batters from the third through the fifth innings.
- After going 1-for-4 on the night, Jace LaViolette has now reached base safely in all 18 games this season.
- Braden Montgomery saw his 45-game on-base streak snapped in the contest.
The Aggies will look to bounce back tomorrow as game two is set for 5:30 p.m. CST.
Follow the Aggies
Visit for more information on Texas A&M baseball. Fans can keep up to date with the A&M baseball team on Facebook, Instagram and X by following @aggiebaseball.