TCU’s Youthful Surge Powers Program-Best Start
TCU’s remarkable start to the season has been fueled by a blend of experience and youth. The Horned Frogs, who reached the College World Series last year, have replaced key contributors with a group of talented freshmen and transfers who have made an immediate impact.
Three freshmen have played pivotal roles: Sam Myers, Chase Brunson, and Ryder Robinson. Myers leads the team in batting average (.419) and RBIs (10), while Brunson is batting .390 and Robinson has been a versatile presence at third and shortstop, batting .345.
Transfers have also made significant contributions. Peyton Chatagnier, a second baseman from Mississippi, is batting .319 and leads the Big 12 in walks (14). Wichita State transfer Payton Tolle has been a solid weekend starter, along with Kole Klecker and Zack Morris.
Despite some struggles on the mound, TCU’s bullpen has been a strength, led by Zachary Cawyer and Braeden Sloan. The Frogs have a knack for winning close games, with eight of their victories coming by three runs or less, including five by one run.
TCU’s success has not gone unnoticed. Wake Forest remains the consensus No. 1 team in the polls, but Arkansas and LSU are close behind. Arkansas’ pitching staff has been dominant, averaging a nation-leading 14.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
Other notable performances include Ryley Preece of Morehead State, who hit five home runs over the weekend, and Riley Huge of Winthrop, who set a national season high with 20 strikeouts in a single game. Florida’s Jac Caglianone starred on both the mound and at the plate in a series-clinching win over Miami.