Jun 8, 2024; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M pitcher Ryan Prager (18) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Oregon at Olsen Field, Blue Bell Park Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
- Texas A&M and Kentucky meet in a battle of 1-0 teams at the 2024 College World Series
- The Aggies are slight favorites behind ace Ryan Prager, while UK already used ace Trey Pooser in its opener
- See the Texas A&M and Kentucky odds, predictions, picks, and starting pitcher matchup on June 17
SEC rivals meet in Omaha on Monday night when the Texas A&M Aggies (50-13) and Kentucky Wildcats (46-14) clash at Charles Schwab Field in the double-elimination portion of the 2024 College World Series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 pm CT/7:00 pm ET and the victor will be one win away from the best-of-three final series.
The Aggies, who have a 3.89 team ERA (sixth-best in the nation) and send their top starter to the mound on Monday, are slight favorites in the Texas A&M vs Kentucky odds.
Texas A&M vs Kentucky Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Runline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M Aggies (Prager) | -140 | -1.5 (+124) | O 9 (-110) |
| Kentucky Wildcats (Pooser) | +105 | +1.5 (-160) | U 9 (-120) |
Texas A&M is a -140 moneyline favorite with the Wildcats a +105 underdog to improve to 2-0. The game total is sitting at just 9.0, the lowest of the CWS so far.
Odds as of June 17. Claim the Fanatics sports betting bonus to wager on the 2024 College World Series
Both teams are coming off one-run victories in their tournament-opening games. The Aggies edged a talented Florida group 3-2, taking a 3-0 lead after three innings and holding on for victory thanks to elite pitching from a trio of hurlers.
The Wildcats earned a 5-4 comeback victory over NC State. Ryan Nicholson homered to tied the game in the bottom of the ninth before freshman Mitchell Daly walked it off with a 10th-inning dinger.
UK rides a six-game win streak into Monday’s matchup, winning all three games at the Lexington Regional (Western Michigan, Illinois, Indiana State) before sweeping Oregon State in two games at the Super Regional.
The Aggies have also won six in a row after a trio of victories over Grambling, Texas, and Louisiana in their Regional and a two-game sweep of Oregon in the Super Regional (all in Lexington).
Ryan Prager vs Mason Moore
| 8-1 | Record | 9-3 |
| 87.0 | IP | 87.2 |
| 3.10 | ERA | 4.93 |
| 1.057 | WHIP | 1.426 |
| 11.8 | K/9 | 8.2 |
| 6.00-to-1 | K-to-BB Ratio | 1.57-to-1 |
The pitching matchup on Monday favors the Aggies on paper. Texas A&M has the luxury of sending 6’3 sophomore Ryan Prager to the hill. Prager enters the CWS with a 3.10 ERA and a stunning 6-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
That said, his last start was a disaster. Prager was tagged for six earned runs on seven hits over just 1.2 innings against the Ducks on June 8, recording just one strikeout in the process.
The Wildcats are likely to turn to number-two starter Mason Moore. Moore has struggled with control all season, issuing 51 in 87.2 innings. (Prager has issued just 19 in 87 innings.) Moore’s last start was a prime example; he only allowed one run and no hits over 3.1 innings in a 3-2 win over Oregon State – which clinched the Wildcats berth in Omaha – but he issued six free passes.
Texas A&M vs Kentucky Prediction
The Aggies have scored considerably more runs this year, with 543 in 63 games (8.7 RPG), compared to UK at 476 in 60 games (7.9 RPG). Prager’s abominable start last week will be a big concern for the Aggie faithful, but he’s had ample time to rest and recuperate and I expect a much higher quality outing from the 59th-ranked prospect in the 2024 MLB draft.
Moore’s lack of control, on the other hand, will have him flirting with danger, and I don’t expect him to be as lucky this time out as he was against Oregon State nine days ago.
TEX A&M vs Kentucky picks: Aggies moneyline (-135) at DraftKings
Sascha was a hockey player in his youth, a lawyer in his capricious mid-20s, and has been with SBD since 2014. He specializes in football, basketball, politics, baseball, and hockey.
The College World Series is heating up as Texas A&M takes on Kentucky in a highly anticipated matchup on June 17th. Both teams have had impressive seasons so far, but only one can come out on top in this crucial game.
The odds for this game are currently in favor of Texas A&M, with many experts predicting that they will come out victorious. The Aggies have a strong lineup and have shown their ability to compete against some of the best teams in the country. On the other hand, Kentucky has also had a solid season and should not be underestimated.
In terms of predictions, it is expected to be a close game with both teams giving it their all. Texas A&M’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, led by standout players like Braden Shewmake and Logan Foster. Kentucky, on the other hand, has a strong pitching staff that could give the Aggies some trouble.
As for picks, it’s a tough call but many are leaning towards Texas A&M to come out on top. Their experience and talent should give them the edge in this matchup. However, Kentucky is known for pulling off upsets and could surprise everyone with a win.
In terms of starters, Texas A&M is expected to send out their ace John Doxakis to the mound. He has been dominant all season and will look to continue his success in this crucial game. Kentucky will counter with their own top pitcher, Zack Thompson, who has also been impressive on the mound.
Overall, this game is shaping up to be an exciting showdown between two talented teams. Fans can expect a competitive and intense matchup as both teams battle it out for a spot in the next round of the College World Series. Be sure to tune in on June 17th to see who comes out on top in this highly anticipated game.
