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Frogs
extend losing streak
TCU, BYU to take field again over weekend
By Evan Erwin
Skiff Staff
The baseball team extended its losing streak to four
games Thursday as it dropped the first of its three-game
series, 7-6, against the BYU Cougars.
The
offensive output was an improvement compared to the
Frogs’ recent losses. TCU outhit the Cougars 14
hits to 11, but just couldn’t seem to get the job
done with the runners on base. In the fifth and eighth
innings, the Frogs had two chances to score with the
bases loaded. In the fifth inning, they only managed
to come away with one run.
They
couldn’t manage any runs in the eighth inning.
TCU
did almost break the game open in the eighth inning
at the hands of junior first baseman Chris Neuman. Neuman
hit a bases loaded shot into the outfield that required
a play of the week style catch from BYU’s center
fielder.
“I
thought that was at least two runs,” Neuman said.
“It was great defensive play.”
TCU
managed to place the tying run on second base with one
out in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Head
coach Lance Brown brought junior outfielder Sean Stephens
in to pinch hit with the game on the line, and Stephens
couldn’t get the job done when he fouled to the
catcher.
After
Stephens’ out, senior shortstop Shaff Elkouri came
in the game during the bottom of the ninth with two
outs. Most players dream of driving the ball out of
the park, but
Elkouri
wasn’t so lucky. He flew out to the leftfielder
for the third time and ended the game.
Senior
third baseman Mike Settle led the Frogs offensively
with three hits, 2 RBIs and one run scored. Settle currently
leads the team with a batting average of .400 (20-50).
He
also leads the team with 18 RBIs. Settle will likely
see more playing time. In the two games previous to
Thursday’s game, Settle only saw one inning of
action, while at the same time leading most offensive
categories.
The
loss, dropped TCU’s record to 9-8 overall and raised
BYU’s record to 5-8. The teams will square off
again 6:30 p.m. today and 1 p.m. Saturday to complete
the series. Both games will be played at Lupton Stadium.
e.j.erwin@tcu.edu
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