TCU Hosts Northwestern Wildcats In Weekday Stint

TCU needed the confidence boost. On Tuesday, the Frogs disposed of visiting Abliene Christian in a 7-0 shutout orchestrated by Chase Hoover. They move to 11-9 on the season, but turn around for a back-to-back stint, this time with the Northwestern Wildcats (1-13).

First pitch is Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. from Lupton Stadium. Catch the game streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ or on the radio at 88.7 FM KTCU.

Chicago Visitors Struggle Early

This year has been one hell of a ride for Northwestern. As with most northern teams, their 2023 began on the road. However, the scheduling gods were not on the Wildcats' side, as their only scheduled home game so far was cancelled due to weather. Northwestern doesn't play a true home game until March 28, making it 18 straight games on the road.

The 'Cats swing through Fort Worth on the way to Houston, where they face UT Arlington and Houston.

Turns out, a brutal road stretch can result in a lot of losses. Such is the case for Northwestern, who won their first game of the year Sunday.

They dropped tough series to Texas State and Louisiana Tech so far on the year, accounting for six of their losses.

TCU Baseball Hosts Northwestern

Braden Sloan (0-2) gets his fifth start of the season, all of which game on weekday games. Last time out, Sloan allowed four runs in 2.1 innings and picked up the loss against Texas State on March 14.

He gets reprieve against a Northwestern offense mustering just 4.6 runs per game (263rd) and batting a collective .239 (250th). Outfielder Griffin Arnone has three home runs on the year, equal to the rest of the team combined. Just two players – outfielder Kevin Ferrer and third baseman Trent Liolios – have more hits than strikeouts.

The Wildcats' pitching staff doesn't carry more weight. They have a team ERA of 11.63, third-worst nationally.

TCU and Northwestern met just once previously, in 1989, where the two teams split a two-game series.

Getting Back On Track

For the second straight year, TCU scheduled a complete gauntlet to begin their season. For Kirk Saarloos' crew, who hope to compete in Omaha, the competition is welcome.

But time to breathe is good for everyone. Ideally, this Wednesday game is time to breathe.

Freshman Karson Bowen leads off, leading starters in batting average on the season (.347). Cole Fontenelle rides a 13-game streak which he's reached base safely, the longest such streak on the team. Brayden Taylor looks to extend his hot batting – the junior's hit a home run in three of his last four games.

This second midweek game prepares TCU for a weekend home series with the Kansas Jayhawks (8-10, 0-0) before really digging into their schedule.

Watch TCU Vs. Northwestern Baseball

When: Wednesday, March 22, 6:00 p.m. CT

Where: Lupton Stadium (Fort Worth, TX)

Streaming: Big 12 Now on ESPN+

Radio: 88.7 FM KTCU

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