After a dramatic, late-inning comeback advanced TCU to super regional play, the Frogs did not wait long to score Saturday against Texas A&M.
TCU (48-12) scored five runs in the first three innings en route to a 13-4 victory over the Aggies (49-13).
The victory puts TCU one win away from a second consecutive berth in the College World Series.
Sophomore Tyler Alexander allowed four runs on nine hits over the course of four innings in a stint that followed a complete game against North Carolina State last week.
A record crowd of 7,199 saw TCU put the game away after a five-run sixth inning. Garret Crain, Dane Steinhagen and Cody Jones lead off the inning with three singles to make it a 7-4 game. First year Evan Skoug and senior Derek Odell both followed with singles between shortstop and third to make it 10-4. Nolan Brown capped off the frame with a sacrifice fly that just about sealed things for the Frogs.
Texas A&M right fielder Jonathan Moroney said TCU took advantage of a hot start.
“They just came out and everything was falling their way,” Moroney said.
Winning pitcher Trey Teakell took over for Alexander in the fifth inning and pitched four scoreless innings. The senior allowed just one hit to the Aggies while also striking out two.
Teakell said it was important for TCU to manage the adrenaline and adversity that comes with a super regional.
“No matter what the score is I’m still trying to execute pitches,” Teakell said. “I would be lying if I said it didn’t give me a lot more confidence knowing that our offense could put runs up like that.”
TCU head coach Jim Schlossnagle said Teakell is the most valuable pitcher he has had at TCU.
“That’s what he’s done his entire career,” Schlossnagle said. “Change the pace of games.”
Seniors Jeremie Fagnan and Odell lead the way for the Frogs offensively.
Fagnan doubled and scored to give TCU an early 1-0 lead in the first. In the second inning, Fagnan doubled again. His long, towering shot hit the right-field fence to score Jones and Steinhagen. TCU never looked back as they lead the entire game.
Odell had four hits in five at-bats and two runs batted in. He drove in first year Connor Wanhanen in the first inning to give the Frogs an early 2-0 lead.
Texas A&M’s starting pitcher Grayson Long faced an early exit after allowing five runs in three innings. The junior allowed seven hits and one walk to the Frogs.
Head coach Rob Childress said he had no problem sticking with Long.
“You got to go with the horse that got you there,” Childress said. “When we missed, they hurt us.”
Schlossnagle said multiple factors played a role in TCU’s offensive success.
“It’s a combination of a good plan at home plate and a guy just not having his best day,” Schlossnagle said.
TCU’s Preston Morrison (11-2) will toe the rubber Sunday at 1:15 p.m. as TCU looks to punch their ticket to Omaha.
Odell said he has confidence that Morrison, like Teakell, will have success.
“I couldn’t think of anything better, honestly,” Odell said. “I think he’s ready for it.”
After Morrison, Schlossnagle said his options are wide open.
“Whatever we have to do to win a ballgame,” he said.
