Texas A&M (13-12, 1-6 SEC) defeated Kentucky 9-7 on Friday night, earning the program’s first SEC win and hopefully providing much-needed momentum amid the Aggies’ struggles this season. Entering the year, star outfielder Jace LaViolette has been chasing Texas A&M’s all-time home run record, inching towards his personal goal over the last two weeks.
Right out of the gate, LaViolette hit three home runs to open the season vs. Elon, but until facing New Mexico State on March 7, the future first-round MLB Draft pick hit his fourth of the season. He led two more against Prairie View A&M and Vanderbilt to put his total at 56, tying Daylan Holt for the all-time record.
On Friday, LaViolette was solid at the plate even without a home run, recording two hits at four at-bats, including an RBI amid the Aggies’ comeback in the middle innings. However, knowing that Saturday’s Game 2 matchup with the Wildcats was surrounded by great weather and some home run-friendly wind, the record was back in play.
In his first appearance at the plate, the Katy, Texas native was calm, cool, and collected, waiting for a pitch that he could launch. The pitch from Nic McCay ended up being a low fastball that he completely obliterated for his 57th career home run, breaking the Aggie record.
Jace LaViolette’s legendary status in College Station is already cemented, but breaking the program’s home run record doesn’t hurt in adding to his greatness.
Texas A&M will face Kentucky in Game 2 on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. CT. The game will be available for streaming on SEC Network+.
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