TCU’s successful run in midweek games encountered a speed bump Tuesday evening, when the Horned Frogs mustered eight hits but left 11 runners on base in a 4-1 loss against Abilene Christian. It’s TCU first midweek loss against a nonconference opponent since Feb. 17, when the Horned Frogs were defeated by UT-Arlington. TCU (20-12, 7-5 Big 12) will pick conference play back up with a three-game series against Arizona this weekend.
Nolan Johnson took the loss, pitching three and two-thirds innings and striking
out three while allowing a pair of runs. Aiden Barrientes entered in relief, but threw only seven pitches and couldn’t record an out. Cade Nelson and Kade Durnin combined to throw the final four and one-third innings, with Durnin tossing two scoreless frames despite allowing three hits and two walks. Nelson allowed one run on three hits over two and a third.
TCU drew seven walks and loaded the bases multiple times, but the Horned Frogs weren’t able to deliver in big moments. Colton Griffin went 2 for 4 atop the order, while Cole Cramer, Noah Franco and Nolan Traeger each drew a pair of walks. Cramer’s RBI single in the fifth inning brought home TCU’s only run of the game.
