No. 7 Texas A&M (31-7, 12-5 SEC) is now in sole second place in the SEC standings after sweeping LSU in Alex Box Stadium this weekend, which is the first sweep against the Tigers since 1978, places the Aggies in prime position to earn a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament after missing the postseason during head coach Michael Earley’s first season.
While freshman outfielder Jorian Wilson’s two home runs, combined with Gavin Grahovac and Caden Sorrell’s continued dominance at the plate, served as one of the primary storylines, outside of the impressive pitching performances, especially sophomore Aiden Sims’ seven-inning, six-strikeout showing on Saturday.
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However, after Maryland transfer infielder Chris Hacopian was struck by a pitch, grazing his mouth/cheek in the eighth inning of Friday’s game, he was quickly removed while spitting up blood in the dugout. This immediately raised questions about his injury status, as Michael Earley stated after the game that Hacopian’s face was swelling, while his status for Game 2 remains unknown.
Well, you can officially call Chris Hacopian one of the toughest players in college baseball, as the Maryland native and future MLB first-round draft pick was listed as a game-time decision before Saturday’s matchup and was eventually placed back in the starting lineup.
Delivering at the plate, Hacopian recorded a hit and drove in a run during the 7-2 Game 2 victory, and on Sunday, the junior hit his fifth home run of the season, scoring two runs, and continued to play excellent defense while looking like a player who never endured a near-brutal injury.
After Sunday’s Game 3 5-2 win, Hacopian spoke to a Texas A&M media member, who asked about his injury, noting his appreciation for the athletic training staff who helped him finish the series before heading back to College Station.
“Yeah, you know, there’s some adversity, obviously” Hacopian stated. “But yeah, Kalie’s (athletic trainer) great, and, you know, getting hit in the face and stuff, she was able to get me right real quick, and I just wanted to play for these guys and give everything I got.”
Hacopian noted that there wasn’t any structural damage to his face, but some teeth were damaged, and he will be heading to the dentist this week. While Hacopian was already a favorite among the fan base, you can cement his legendary status now (kidding).
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Texas A&M will host UTSA on Tuesday night before facing Florida on the road this weekend.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M’s Chris Hacopian praises Aggie training staff after injury
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