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This was a much sloppier game than yesterday but also shared many similarities. In another epic struggling against host Texas A&M Aggies that went to extra innings, the Golden Bears blew an one run lead in the 9th and then allowed an extra out allowed via a defensive miscue to haunt them. Nevertheless, the Bears also got plenty of close chances including the game ending play when Aaron Knapp attempted to score on a TAMU defensive miscue only to be tagged out just prior to him touching home plate.
#Bears Fall in 12, 4-3 to @Aggie_Baseball on Sunday night. #GoBears pic.twitter.com/J2w2QCC3LJ
— Cal Baseball (@Cal_Baseball) June 1, 2015
El Gaucho was the offensive hero for the Bears again. Catcher Mitchell Kranson hit another homerun and added a sacrifice fly. Just like Saturday night, the Bears wasted a few too many scoring opportunities.
Despite the key error, the Bears again had many defensive gems in key situations. The throw by Knapp from center nearly recorded the third out at third base before the then go-ahead (and ultimately winning) run scored for the Aggies in the top of the 12th. Freshman SS Preston Grand Pre was solid all game before an errant throw pulled the 1st baseman to continue the inning in that fateful top of the 12th.
It will be a war of attrition on Monday night for both the Bears and the Aggies.
#Cal will play the #Aggies again tomorrow night at 4:30 pm PT in a winner-take-all Regional Final. Network TBD #GoBears #RoadToOmaha
— Cal Baseball (@Cal_Baseball) June 1, 2015
We don't know who will start the game for both sides, but it could easily be another exciting game. The rubber match of this series will determine who advance on to the Super Regional.
GO BEARS!
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California Golden Bears vs. TBA
When: 4 PM PT
TV: SEC Network
Online: ESPN3
Bears are in a very good position following the thrilling victory last night. Check out this walk-off homer from Mitchell "El Gaucho" Kranson if you somehow has not seen it yet.
Bears take on the winner of the 10 AM PT game between Coastal Carolina and Texas A&M at 4 PM PT. Should the Bears win, they will advance to the Super Regional against the winner from the TCU Regional. Should the Bears falter, they will have one more chance on Monday night.
Freshman lefty Matt Ladrech is expected to take the mound for the Bears. It is not clear whether bullpen mainstay like senior closer Dylan Nelson or freshman righty Erik Martinez will be available today after both pitching multiple innings yesterday. Bears may also save freshman righty Jeff Bain for a potential Monday night game.
Bears will look to keep on playing very solid defense. Shortstop Preston Grand Pre has been very solid with the glove. 2nd baseman Robbie Tenerowicz has made some hard play (such as spelling his name) look routine. Of course, who can forget that Celsi robbery of a homer yesterday.
As long as we play with the same intensity as yesterday and not be pleased that we have a buffer game as opposed to our opponent, I like our chances tonight.
GO BEARS!