TCU SECURES COLLEGE WORLD SERIES BERTH WITH 6-4 VICTORY OVER INDIANA STATE

In a thrilling matchup at Lupton Stadium, the TCU Horned Frogs punched their ticket to Omaha for the Men's College World Series with a hard-fought 6-4 victory over the No. 14 National Seed, Indiana State. The game, held on Saturday night, witnessed a record-breaking crowd of 8,994 spectators, who witnessed TCU's sixth trip to the prestigious tournament in the program's history.

TCU faced an early setback when they found themselves trailing 2-0 after the first inning. However, a remarkable comeback began in the fourth inning when Brayden Taylor's patient eye earned him a walk, igniting a rally for the Horned Frogs. Cole Fontenelle's subsequent double put the tying runs in scoring position, setting the stage for Tre Richardson's infield single that cut the deficit in half. The comeback was completed when Kurtis Byrne reached on an error, driving in the tying run.

Anthony Silva's clutch base hit to right field brought Richardson home, giving TCU the crucial go-ahead run. Luke Boyers followed up with a double to extend the lead, and Austin Davis grounded out to cap off a five-run fourth inning for the Horned Frogs. Fontenelle's impressive two-out home run in the fifth inning further solidified TCU's advantage, pushing the score to 6-2.

Despite TCU's efforts, Indiana State refused to go quietly. The Sycamores fought back, picking up two runs in the sixth inning to narrow the gap to 6-4. However, TCU pitcher Ben Abeldt rose to the occasion, delivering a crucial strikeout to strand the tying runs in scoring position.

Indiana State made a valiant effort in the final three innings, bringing the tying run to the plate on each occasion. However, TCU's defense stepped up when it mattered most. Karson Bowen's well-timed back-pick at second base ended the threat in the seventh inning, while a well-executed double play ball closed out the eighth inning. In the ninth, pitcher Garrett Wright retired three consecutive batters after allowing an infield single, securing his fifth save of the season and sealing TCU's victory.

Starting pitcher Sam Stoutenborough (5-0) put in a commendable performance for TCU, lasting 5.1 innings. He allowed three runs on five hits, walked one, and struck out two. Abeldt, who took over from Stoutenborough, allowed one run on four hits, walked two, and struck out two during his 2.2 innings of work.

With this hard-fought win, TCU improves its overall record to 42-22. The Horned Frogs will now prepare to face the winner of the Oregon/Oral Roberts Super Regional in their opening game at the Men's College World Series in Omaha. TCU's dedicated fanbase eagerly anticipates their team's pursuit of collegiate baseball glory as they aim to add to their successful history in the prestigious tournament.