Holbrook Presser Recap: Texas A&M

Chad Holbrook held a press conference Thursday to preview this weekend's series against Texas A&M:

Huge challenge for us. Huge weekend for both team. Aggies are every balanced and very experienced. Have played at a high level all year long. We must play our best baseball to win the series because we're playing an elite team.

Gamecocks not thinking about winning the division just yet. Schedule is too tough the final two weekends.

Josh Reagan threw the ball well at UK. Gave up a wind-aided HR. Johnson & Reagan should be fresh for the weekend. We're comfortable giving the ball to Reagan with the game on the line.

A&M blanked Vandy twice last weekend, including a no-hitter on Saturday in Game 3. Lineup has very good hitters. One of the best hitters in college baseball in the middle of the lineup. We have our work cut out for us.

Gamecocks are 28-2 at home. Home field advantage must play a role this weekend. TAM presents many of the same challenges as Florida.

Gamecocks need some more 2-out hits. 15 LOB in Game 3 at UK. We have to execute better. TAM has great arms. Starters are combined 15-2 and all 3 have ERAs below 2.50. We have to score runs to win. If score is 2-1, advantage Aggies.

For us to be the team we want to be, we need John Jones to hit consistently. That's why I'm sticking with him. Jones has the respect of our opponents, which is why I'm not batting him 7th or 8th.

Madison Stokes has gotten opportunities because he's very formidable offensively. Hits for power + one of the fastest players on the team.