Two innings away from getting shut out in both ends of a doubleheader, Arizona instead found some late magic to earn its first Big 12 series win of the season.
The Wildcats scored twice in the 8th and once in the 9th to beat TCU 3-2 in nightcap on Saturday night, bouncing back from a 5-0 loss in the first game. Combined with Friday’s 4-3 win the UA (13-22, 5-10) took the series against the preseason conference favorites.
Held in check for seven innings by reigning Big 12 Pitcher of the Week Zack James,
Arizona started its comeback right away against the TCU bullpen. Cash Brennan opened the 8th with a walk, then consecutive 1-out singles by Mathis Meurnant, Nate Novitske and Tony Lira tied it at 2. Lira and Novitske both had two hits.
In the 9th, Beau Sylvester drew a leadoff walk, moved into scoring position on a Jackson Forbes sacrific bunt and then, after moving to 3rd on a groundout scored on an infield single by pinch hitter Caleb Danzeisen.
Garrett Hicks pitched a perfect 9th for his second save in as many nights, following a perfect 8th by Collin McKinney to get the win. Starter Luc Fladda went the first seven, allowing two runs on five hits with five strikeouts and no walks.
Arizona had only four hits in the first game Saturday. TCU (21-14, 8-7) got all its runs off three home runs allowed by Smith Bailey.
The Wildcats get a day off before playing Monday night in a nonconference game at ASU before hosting Kansas State next weekend at Hi Corbett Field.
