Junior pitcher now tied for fifth in Texas A&M history with 11 saves

Texas A&M (36-10, 15-6 SEC) stayed put at No. 7 in USA TODAY Sports' latest Top 25 rankings after losing its first SEC Series in several weeks against No. 8 Auburn in College Station, as the Aggies dropped both games during Saturday's doubleheader before salvaging a victory to avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon.

After leading 4-0 heading into the top of the seventh on Sunday, second-year coach Michael Earley and pitching coach Jason Kelley finally relieved starter Weston Moss, who finished with an impressive six strikeouts while allowing just one hit and an earned run in six innings of work.

However, after Ethan Darden allowed the Tigers' first run, reliable junior closer Clayton Freshcorn took the mound to earn his 11th save of the season, which was by far his most difficult attempt of the year thus far. Going into the top of the ninth, Auburn's bats woke up, producing two runs off RBI singles, while Freshcorn had allowed five hits, leading to a base-loaded situation with just one out, leading 4-3.

Delivering in the clutch, which has been Freshcorn's modus operandi all year, the junior forced Auburn to hit into a double play to end the game, and gave the Aggies breathing room entering the week with a chance to earn a double-bye in the SEC Tournament.

Finishing the game with just one strikeout and five hits, Earley's trust in Freshcorn to make adjustments during tense situations is telling, and in just his second season with the program, the young star continues to climb up the Texas A&M records, now tied for fifth all-time with 11 saves on the year.

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