TCU Heads To Lubbock For Weekend Series At #22 Texas Tech
Last weekend couldn't have gone more differently for TCU and Texas Tech. The Red Raiders (18-8, 2-4) dropped all three games at Texas – two of which came on walk offs – and sank in the polls. The Red Raiders also dropped a funky game at New Mexico on Tuesday. Meanwhile, TCU took care of business, sweeping Kansas thanks to 40 runs in three days. They followed that up with a 14-3 rebound win over UT Arlington.
This weekend, TCU (16-9, 4-2) visits Texas Tech at Rip Griffin Stadium beginning March 31 at 6:30 p.m. CT. Saturday's and Sunday's first pitches both come at 2:00 p.m. CT.
TCU Visits #22 Texas Tech
Visiting a team primed for a get-right spot isn't an easy undertaking. After being swept in Austin, Texas Tech is looking to get back on track in their own backyard against TCU, who swept the Red Raiders in Fort Worth last year. Tim Tadlock's crew had this series circled on their calendar for months.
Although they are 2-4 in Big 12 play, Texas Tech cannot be overlooked. Their schedule to this point has been difficult, with quality series against Gonzaga, Iowa, and Texas; an appearance in the Shriners Classic; and a tough series against #12 Oklahoma State. Despite the degree of difficulty, the Red Raiders have just eight losses on the year. They lead the Big 12 in batting (.319, 12th nationally) and runs scored (9.54 per game).
Sophomore Gavin Kash leads the Texas Tech bats, hitting .417 on the season (second in the Big 12) with nine home runs. Junior Austin Green has been walked twice as many times (22) as he's struck out (11) on the season. As a team, Tech is second in the Big 12 in walks drawn. This offensive group is extremely capable and disciplined at the plate.
The offense is a good match for TCU's defense, which has allowed 3.98 runs per game this season, 28th in the nation.
Back on Track
After a 3-5 stretch against the likes of San Diego, Texas State, and Oklahoma TCU looked broken. A combination of poor batting and rocky starting pitching led them to crash from the top 25 rankings at D1 Baseball – unfamiliar territory for the crew under Kirk Saarloos. With winnable games on tap, TCU is on a strong six-game win streak, outscoring their opponents a combined 70-16, including two shutouts.
The get-right opportunities may prove crucial for the Frogs, who have a tough route upcoming:
- at #22 Texas Tech
- vs. #17 Oklahoma State
- vs. UNC Wilmington
- at #24 West Virginia
- vs. #21 Texas
Player To Watch
TCU has a chance to set the tone Friday. It's up to pitcher Ryan Vanderhei (2-2, 5.28 ERA) to set that tone early. Vanderhei has yet to take the step forward TCU was hoping for after landing him in the transfer portal this offseason. Though he's remained steady as the Friday starter, two of his last three outings have been disastrous.
Last Friday against his former team, Kansas, Vanderhei surrendered five runs in 4.1 IP and two starts before then, he surrendered seven runs in just 3.0 IP against San Diego. An outing like either of those against Tech on Friday night would turn into an unmitigated disaster.
Playing from behind in Lubbock is a precarious place to be.
Pitching Matchups For TCU Vs. Kansas
Vanderhei takes on Texas Tech's Brendan Girton (2-0, 4.28) on Friday night. The RS sophomore is second on the Red Raiders in innings pitched (27.1), often leaning on the defense behind him and forcing easy field outs. He has just 20 strikeouts on the season, compared to 18 walks issued, but only allows a .230 opposing batting average and 23 hits. Girton often dishes frustrating innings to opponents, resulting in groundouts and fly outs.
Kole Klecker (2-2, 2.74) returns to the mound Saturday after a solid outing against Kansas. The righty allowed eight hits, but just three runs to the Jayhawks in 7.0 innings pitched; he also tossed 101 pitches from the mound, tying his season-high. On the other side starts Tech ace Mason Molina (2-1, 2.93). He leads the team in strikeouts (40) and allows a paltry .198 opposing batting average.
As is tradition this year, Cam Brown (2-0, 2.15) cleans up Sunday night. Brown has been nothing short of excellent this season, which is shaping up to be an all-conference bid. Brown allows just a .178 opposing batting average and is coming off his second shutout appearance of the year. Brown has not allowed more than two runs in any of his his last five starts.
Tech starts sophomore Trendan Parish (1-0, 4.46) to close the series.
How To Watch TCU At Texas Tech
When: Friday, Mar. 31, 6:30 p.m. CT | Saturday, Apr. 1, 2:00 p.m. | Sunday, Apr. 2, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Stadium (Lubbock, TX)
TV/streaming: ESPN+
Radio: KTCU 88.7 FM
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