TCU returns home for a season-long nine-game homestand today and, it hopes, with a different offense than the one on display last weekend against Cal State Fullerton.
The Horned Frogs (3-7) rebounded after their Friday loss to outscore Jacksonville 23-0 in the final two games over the weekend, scoring more runs in each game than they had in the first six games combined. Part of the offensive explosion is due to freshman outfielder Boomer White, who was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week after batting .625 with three doubles and a home run over the weekend.“Boomer, for sure, has given us a lift,” TCU coach Jim Schlossnagle said of the catcher/outfielder from Memorial High School in Houston.And except for one inning, a four-run third Friday when starter Brandon Finnegan lost command with two outs and no one on, Schlossnagle was again pleased with how his team played overall. The Frogs made one error in the series and eliminated much of the frustrating passed balls and wild pitches that were a problem against Fullerton. The offensive explosion happened without the team’s top hitting prospect getting a hit. Kevin Cron went 0 for 15 with no RBIs and saw his average dip to .095.“He’s too good of a hitter to be down for a long time,” Schlossnagle said. “When he gets it going you’d think we could be a better offensive club.”Meanwhile, the pitching has remained outstanding, including a solid showing from the bullpen that held Jacksonville to two hits in eight innings over the weekend.Right-hander Stefan Crichton (0-1) makes his second start of the season at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (3-9). The Golden Lions’ starting pitcher has not been announced. TCU hosts Pacific for a three-game series beginning Friday at Lupton Stadium.“I still like our team a lot,” Schlossnagle said. “I just still felt really good about our team [after Friday’s loss], even though we lost the game. I tried to emphasize the importance of everybody doing their job.”Stefan Stevenson, 817-390-7760 Twitter: @FollowtheFrogs
