After a slow start in Sunday’s showdown against No. 12 Cal State-Fullerton, the No. 4 Horned Frogs lost their first series of the season, 2-1, at Lupton Stadium.
The Frogs headed into Sunday’s game 1-1 on the series against the Titans after a 4-1 win on Friday and a disappointing 8-4 loss Saturday.
Sophomore Matt Purke was scheduled to pitch Sunday’s game, but was replaced by freshman pitcher Andrew Mitchell. Purke suffered from a blister, and islikely expected to return to the mound next weekend, Schlossnagle said.
“The game is testing us right now, we did not get the two bunts down, but we did get the tying runner to second base with one out,” Schlossnagle said. “They were able to make the pitches in the ninth inning.”
TCU gained momentum after four and a half scoreless innings with a triple by freshman first baseman Brett Johnson in his first start of the season. With only one out and a man on third, senior catcher Jimmie Pharr gave the Horned Frogs the lead, 1-0 with an RBI.
Johnson also proved himself on defense, making a couple of big plays throughout Sunday’s game.
“It was a great feeling out there today, I have been waiting for my opportunity to prove that I can be a part and help out the team, Johnson said.”
On defense, the Frogs recorded one error against the Titans, while Mitchell was able to prevent the Titans from scoring, allowing one hit and three walks in the first five innings. The freshman also had two strikeouts in his second start of the season.
Senior pitcher Trent Appleby relieved Mitchell after five innings and was able to maintain the 1-0 lead for the Frogs until the eighth.
Cal State Fullerton made its way onto the board in the eighth inning following singles by Richy Pedroza and second baseman Anthony Trajano and a double by first baseman Nick Ramirez. Appleby was able to keep the game tied until a line drive in the ninth by Michael Lorenzen brought in another runner for the Titans.
Appleby allowed six hits and a walk, which resulted in Cal State Fullerton’s two runs.
TCU falls to 4-3 on the season after clenching a 2-1 series against the University of Kansas last weekend. The Frogs also defeated the Baylor Bears in Waco Wednesday.
Notes
Last season, the Frogs won their series against Cal State Fullerton 2-1 in Fullerton, Calif. but failed to clench the final win needed to seal this season’s series.
Up Next
Next up for the Horned Frogs is another nonconference game with cross-town opponent Dallas Baptist University Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Lupton Stadium. The Frogs lost to Dallas Baptist ,8-7, last season.