Bats Remain Hot as TCU Takes Down Lamar

Don’t look now, the Frogs are on a five-game win streak, fueled by an offense that gets better each and every game. This was the same story tonight, as the Frogs took care of business against Lamar, beating them 8–6.

Things weren’t all sunshine and roses, as the Frogs had a shaky start, falling behind early. However, the Frogs’ bats came alive and never looked back, meaning it was game over for the Cardinals. I think the Frogs are well on their way to proving they are not frauds, but legit Big 12 contenders. Let's see how this win played out.

TCU’s Bats Deliver Again

Kyuss Gargett Getting a Single for the Frogs — Kyuss Gargett singles for the Frogs in their 5th straight win. | Emma Swinney for KillerFrogs/TCU on SI

The Horned Frogs’ offense has been electric over the past five games, coming back from behind in several of them. It was the same story tonight, as no matter the deficit, this team has shown resilience, just ask DBU or Texas Tech.

It was almost déjà vu as the Cardinals struck first, scoring four runs in the opening inning. The Frogs got off to a sluggish start, with nothing clicking in the first two innings, while Lamar added another run to take a 5–0 lead.

Despite scoring a run in the third, the TCU bats didn’t really wake up until the fourth inning. From that point on, it was all purple action. TCU outscored Lamar 7–1 from the fourth inning forward, as their bats caught fire; a sight no opposing pitcher wants to see.

It was a solid day at the plate for the Horned Frogs, who posted a team batting average of .379 for the night. TCU combined for 11 hits, 9 walks, and 8 RBIs, fueling the Frogs’ win.

Noah Franco, Cole Cramer, and Brady Dallimore all had solid nights at the plate, each recording two hits apiece. Sawyer Strosnider remains on fire, adding three walks and a clutch double that drove in a run, while Chase Brunson contributed a big-time triple that scored two. Jack Bell continues to be one of TCU's hottest hitters as well, picking up three walks and a hit of his own. The Frogs are showing patience at the plate, and the results are paying off; they’ve returned to a winning rhythm, largely thanks to their recent offensive surge.

Slow Start, Strong Finish on the Mound

Brady Dallimore catching a Strike — Emma Swinney For KillerFrogs/TCU on SI

Midweek Arms Continue to Emerge for the Frogs

I know it’s been a tough start to the year for TCU’s pitching staff, but things are slowly but surely improving. Freshman Cade Nelson got the start, and it was an off night for him; he was run out of this game just after one inning, having allowed 3 hits, 4 earned runs, 3 walks, and recording only one strikeout. It wasn’t the outing Nelson was hoping for, but his bullpen had his back.

Nolan Johnson came in and slowed the pace for the Frogs, logging three innings while giving up just two hits, three walks, and one run (unearned), along with three strikeouts. Freshman Aiden Barrientes made his first appearance, and I was impressed. He pitched two strong innings, which allowed him to pick up the win in his name. He allowed the final run the Cardinals would see all night.

TCU then turned to some of their most reliable arms, Kade Durnin and Walter Quinn, each eating an inning, before Nate Stern closed out the game with a dominant inning, striking out three batters. Stern has been absolute nails all season long.

It wasn’t perfect, but this continued improvement from the Horned Frog pitching staff allowed their offense to take over and secure the win.

Horned Frogs Still on the Rise: Showing No Sign of Slowing Down

Buy stock now; this team is gaining ground fast. The Frogs are starting to look like the preseason Top 10 team they were projected to be. Good teams find a way to win, and that’s exactly what TCU is doing. It doesn’t always have to be pretty; they just execute and get the job done.

With their heads held high after picking up their fifth straight win, the Frogs head into another Big 12 weekend series in Manhattan, Kansas, taking on the Kansas State Wildcats. TCU is only getting stronger; opponents should be worried because this team shows no signs of slowing down, and its offense is ready to cause havoc.