As the college baseball season ramps up, this weekend’s series stands out among the early matchups for the TCU Horned Frogs: a thrilling non-conference showdown set at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
From March 1st to March 3rd, TCU will square off against formidable opponents USC and Arizona State in a series that promises intense action and fierce competition.
Last year, USC boasted a commendable record of 34-23-1, while Arizona State finished their season with a 32-23 record. These teams bring talent, experience and a hunger for victory to the diamond, setting the stage for captivating clashes throughout the series.
Keep your eyes on USC’s Austin Overn, a standout performer whose impressive statistics from 2023 speak volumes. With a batting average of .314, 38 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases last season, Overn is a force to be reckoned with and a player who can change the course of a game with his dynamic skill set.
Meanwhile, Arizona State showcases a roster filled with promising talent. Isaiah Jackson, Jacob Tobias, Nu’u Contrades and Nick McLain are players to watch closely. McLain, ranked as the No. 53 collegiate prospect in the 2024 MLB Draft by D1Baseball, leads the pack alongside Jackson, labeled as the No. 17 collegiate prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft. With such talent on display, Arizona State poses a significant challenge to any opponent, especially with their upset win over No. 24 Kansas State.
For TCU, all eyes will be on Payton Tolle, a transfer from Wichita State who brings both power and versatility to the field. As a two-way player with 13 home runs last year, Tolle’s inclusion on the preseason Golden Spikes Award watchlist speaks to his potential to make a major impact in the upcoming series and beyond.
Tolle will look to get the bat hot this weekend after a tough start to the season offensively. Tolle is expected to be a big bat in the middle of the lineup going forward, but after a slow start, he has lost some playing time as a designated hitter.
The Globe Life series is significant for TCU as it marks the final series before Big 12 play kicks off against Kansas. With high expectations on their shoulders, the Horned Frogs enter the series ranked as the number five team in college baseball and are poised to climb in the rankings.
TCU aims to build on their past successes, eyeing another Big 12 title and a deep run in the College World Series while maintaining their undefeated record to start the 2024 season.
There is a real shot TCU can win its first national championship this year and all eyes will be on the Frogs as the season continues to ramps up.
As fans flock to Globe Life Field to witness the excitement unfold, anticipation mounts for a series filled with memorable moments, highlight-reel plays, and intense competition. First pitch today against the Trojans is set for 2:00 p.m. CST from Globe Life Field in Arlington.
