Texas A&M stays in the race for first in updated SEC standings

No. 7 Texas A&M (35-11, 15-6 SEC) avoided what would have been the Aggies' first sweep of the season after defeating No. 8 Auburn 4-3 on Sunday afternoon, salvaging a Game 3 victory that was absolutely vital to keeping pace in the SEC standings. However, the Georgia Bulldogs continue to look like the best team in the conference after sweeping last-place Missouri this weekend.

While losing both games in Saturday's doubleheader certainly wasn't the plan for coach Mike Earley and his veteran roster, who nearly pulled off a win in Game 2 if Chris Hacopian's hit to left field had stayed fair, ending in a groundout that secured the series for the visitors.

Still, after a solid start against Florida last weekend, junior Weston Moss took the mound with confidence and produced his best outing of the season, lasting six innings with six strikeouts and just one hit and one earned run allowed.

This performance should result in coach Mike Earley and pitching coach Jason Kelley making changes to the starting lineup, potentially making Aiden Sims the Friday starter, moving Moss to Saturday, and optioning struggling Shane Sdao for Sundays.

Texas A&M's offense has continued to produce when needed, and thanks to Chris Hacopian's three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth, providing just enough of a cushion to allow steady closer Clayton Freshcorn room to struggle early before forcing a groundout double play to ice the game in the ninth.

With the win, Texas A&M remains in second place in the updated SEC standings, but is now 2.5 games back from first behind Georgia, who are now a near lock to take home the regular season title.

Updated SEC Standings

1. Georgia (38-11, 18-6 SEC)
2. Texas A&M (35-10, 15-6 SEC)
3. Texas (35-10, 15-6 SEC)
4. Auburn (32-14, 14-10 SEC)
5. Mississippi State (36-12, 14-10 SEC)
6. Alabama (32-16, 13-11 SEC)
7. Florida (31-17, 13-11 SEC)
8. Arkansas (32-17, 13-11 SEC)