A two-run eighth inning for Minnesota proved to be the difference maker in Friday’s ballgame as the Horned Frogs suffered their third consecutive loss, 6-3.
The Golden Gophers broke the scoreless tie in the first inning due to two TCU errors as an RBI groundout from centerfielder Alex Bowell put Minnesota on the board.
Minnesota doubled their lead in the second inning off a base hit from left fielder Ben Mezzenga. Minnesota was caught trying to extend the play and score from second base, but centerfielder Josh Watson threw out the runner at home.
The Horned Frogs trimmed the deficit in half in the bottom of the second inning and tied the contest in the third inning. Designated hitter Johnny Rizer doubled to open the inning and advanced to third off a balk. Rizer scored on an error that, fielded successfully, would have ended the inning. The hit was Rizer’s first career hit.
In the third inning, right fielder Connor Wanhanen scored off a base hit from first baseman Luken Baker to tie the game. Wanhanen recorded his sixth multi-hit game of the season and the 39th of his career.
However, Minnesota needed little time to regain the lead as right fielder Toby Hanson knocked a lead-off home run in the fourth inning.
The Horned Frogs were unable to keep the lead-off batter off base all night as Minnesota had the lead-off batter on base in eight of all nine innings Friday night. Minnesota scored in five of those eight innings.
TCU would battle back in the seventh inning to tie the game. Shortstop Adam Oviedo began the inning with his second hit of the night and scored from third on a groundout from Coby Boulware. Oviedo notched his fourth multi-hit game of the young season.
Minnesota had the lead once again in the eighth inning as two doubles and an infield single made it a 4-3 ballgame, and they would extend their lead to two with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly and add another run in the ninth for a three-run lead.
Jared Janczak got the start on the mound Friday night for TCU but ended with a no-decision after allowing three runs on seven hits. Janczak recorded four strikeouts and surrendered two walks.
TCU will return to Lupton Baseball Stadium Saturday for their second game of the weekend series against the Golden Gophers. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.
