How did TCU beat Indiana State to win Super Regional opener and extend win streak to 10?
TCU freshman pitcher Kole Klecker threw seven shutout innings in the biggest game of his collegiate career as TCU beat Indaina State, 4-1 , on Friday in the best-of-three Super Regional series-opening game.
TCU had a sellout crowd of 8,812 setting a record and TCU head coach Kirk Saarloos loved the support from fans.
“This is the atmosphere that you want to be a part of and we haven’t been able to do that here in six years,” said Saarloos, “Our fans have been awesome the whole year and they came out today and played a huge difference in the game.”
Saarloos praised Klecker for his performance.
“I can’t remember a freshman running out there to start a Super Regional and doing what he did, pretty awesome stuff and that’s why we chose him,” said Saarloos.
Pitching dominance
Klecker dominated from the opening pitch, allowing three hits, no runs and one walk while notching a career-high nine strikeouts.
Klecker was happy with his record-setting performance for TCU, but stayed focused on the larger goal.
“That was awesome, but you know I came out in the seventh and the game wasn’t over at that point,” said Klecker, “Got with my teammates, and made sure we finished the game strong and we did that.”
TCU’s relief pitcher Luke Savage finished the game allowing one hit, a ninth-inning solo home run, in two innings of relief. Saarloos said he had no qualms about taking his starting pitcher out of the game even with Klecker was in the midst of pitching a shutout.
“You look smart when it works, you look stupid when it doesn’t,” said Saarloos, “We trust our bullpen, Kole did exactly what we wanted so that was our decision.”
Sycamores bats go quiet
Indiana State struggled from behind the plate in clutch opportunities going 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position and two outs. Until Keegan Watson hit a solo home run in the ninth inning, the Sycamores were on pace for their first shutout loss of the season.
Watson spoke about the team’s struggle to find success against TCU’s pitchers.
“He [Klecker] did a good job mixing, he did a good job locating,” said Watson, “ He didn’t really leave a whole lot in the middle of the zone for us to hit, just kept us on our heels all game.”
Turning point
The game was scoreless heading into the top of the third when Austin Davis’ solo home run opened the scoring. Three batters later Cole Fontenelle hit a two-run home run to put TCU up 3-0.
“I was just trying to be ready for the fastball,” said Fontenelle, “A lot of times I look for that pitch in that low middle area so I was able to get that,” said Fontenelle.
TCU added another run with a sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth inning and Fontenelle said scoring off sacrifices and bunts is crucial.
“When you can manufacture runs in those ways it’s really tough to beat a team that can do that,” said Fontenelle
TCU and Indiana State play in the second game of their Super Regional series at 5 p.m. on Saturday at Lupton Stadium.
This story was originally published June 9, 2023 at 6:32 PM.
