Unbeaten TCU Hosts Texas State For First Midweek Baseball Game
While excellent theater, Kirk Saarloos would likely prefer the TCU Horned Frogs not need a miracle comeback every game. TCU escaped Opening Weekend with a 3-0 record, although two of those wins required multi-run comebacks. In total, TCU played FGCU for 11 hours and 53 minutes and scored a combined 59 runs. But there's no time to rest – the Horned Frogs host the Texas State Bobcats (3-0) on Tuesday night.
First pitch for Texas State at TCU comes at 6:00 p.m. CT. Catch the game streaming on ESPN+, listening at 88.7 FM KTCU, or in-person at Lupton Stadium.
Testing The Bullpen Early
Coming into this season, one of TCU's biggest strengths was their pitching depth. That will be seriously tested right away as the Frogs burned through 14 pitchers this weekend. However, Braeden Sloan only threw 26 total pitches and other relievers Louis Rodriguez and Ben Abeldt tossed an inning. Regardless, lots of guys saw action against FGCU and some of those guys may again be called on tonight.
West Virginia transfer Ben Hampton gets his first start of the season. In Morgantown, Hampton won three All-Big 12 honors, including a first-team nomination last year. As far as a fourth starter goes, Hampton might be one of the best options in the conference. He finished 5-3 with a 4.45 ERA and began 2023 with an extremely impressive eight strikeout evening against Georgia Southern, a team that hosted a regional just the year prior.
Against the bats of Texas State, Hampton will have to have a repeat of his 2023 debut and keep Saarloos from digging into the bullpen early.
Fire Season
In the dry months of winter, February oftentimes can be among the most prime for wildfires in northern Texas. TCU's first opponents got the word and brought both the lumber and sparks.
The Bobcats scored 37 runs in 2.8 games on a hapless Youngstown State last weekend (Game 3 was shortened to mercy rule). The lineup hit six homers and added six more extra-base hits on the Penguins, headlined by an emphatic 20-2 opening night victory. The bottom line: Texas State can hit the ball.
Outfielder Ryne Farber collected five hits in eight at-bats and drew a ridiculous five walks. First baseman Cam Thompson hit two home runs in just four at-bats in his Texas State debut (he transferred in from Purdue). Although the opposition lacked, the Bobcats proved they have capable hitters even 15 players deep.
Of course, TCU brought their own offense to the table. Freshman Chase Brunson dazzled in debut, hitting two homers and drawing four walks in 10 at-bats (no strikeouts). Ole Miss transfer Peyton Chatagnier also hit two dingers and also stole three bases. Payton Tolle announced his arrival to Fort Worth with a home run and five RBIs, bested only by Karson Bowen's six RBIs.
Anthony Silva led the team with seven hits, three stolen bases, two walks, and a round-tripper in 15 plate appearances. In total, TCU logged eight home runs and and additional six multi-base hits.
On the mound for Texas State
A familiar face gets the start for the Bobcats tonight – senior Tony Robie. Robie confounded TCU a season ago, holding the Frogs to just two runs on four hits through four innings of work in Texas State's 2023 victory in San Marcos. He's played all four seasons at Texas State and last year finished 5-4 with a 4.33 ERA.
Perhaps most impressive, Robie allowed just a .249 opposing batting average last season; this is his first action of the year.
Just four pitchers went longer than an inning last weekend, although 14 saw action in total.
Player To Watch
Maybe it's a cop out to suggest the starting pitcher and a proven commodity, but Ben Hampton is worth keeping an extra eye on. Sunday starter Zack Morris struggled at times, allowing FGCU to make solid contact and he gave up some home runs. Should Hampton have a shutdown start Tuesday night, he may contest for the Sunday spot.
However, having a strong weeknight starter is a luxury. The Frogs play a difficult midweek slate this year. That includes a home-and-home with Texas State and Dallas Baptist – two tournament or better teams – a midweek series with Washington State and Arizona, and a late-season Tuesday stint with Baylor. Knowing that TCU's fourth starter can secure wins puts this team in a much better position.
Frog fans know better than anyone, Texas State is no midweek pushover.
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