MANHATTAN, Kan. – Behind a complete game from Charles King, TCU was opportunistic in topping Kansas State 8-1 on Friday night to even the series at a game apiece. The Horned Frogs scored six times in the third inning to break the game open.
Charles Kings (3-1) was outstanding on the mound. After allowing a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the first, he shut down the Wildcat offense. The junior allowed just five hits, walked two and struck out five.
Aside from the home run, no other Wildcat made it past second base. He retired 10 straight after the home run and induced two inning-ending double plays. King retired 12 of the last 15 batters he faced.
The offense provided plenty of run support early in the game, scoring eight times in the first three innings. Hunter Wolfe led off the game with a base hit. Attempting to turn a double play, the Wildcats’ relay throw to first got away, allowing Wolfe to score for a 1-0 lead.
TCU took the lead for good in the second. Austin Henry led off the inning with a base hit. After Andrew Keefer walked, the duo executed a double steal and Henry was able to score on an Adam Oviedo ground out.
An inning full of miscues by the Wildcats helped the Frogs tally six runs on just four hits. TCU loaded the bases on a hit batter, a walk and a base hit with nobody out. Johnny Rizer’s sacrifice fly extended the lead to 3-1.
The first error of the inning allowed Jake Guenther to score and Alex Isola raced home on a wild pitch. Keefer singled to make it a 6-1 contest. An errant throw on a stolen base from Conner Shepherd allowed Keefer to score. Wolfe’s second hit of the evening drove what would be the final run of the game.
With the win, TCU improves to 23-14 overall and 6-5 in Big 12 play. The Horned Frogs and the Wildcats will meet in the rubber match on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. Brandon Williamson will get the ball for the Frogs.