TCU Takes On Texas Tech
After a test from Tarleton State where TCU allowed 9 runs, they will travel to Lubbock to play the 8th ranked Texas Tech. TCU enters this series as the winners of ten straight games. Tech has hit a rough patch in their past two games culminating with the Red Raiders being outscored in those games 17-6 by Kansas State.
Don’t let that fool you, Texas Tech may be the best team in the Big 12 alongside TCU and UT. The Red Raiders exploded for 17 runs in the first game in the series against K-State with the second-highest run. Texas Christian will need good pitching to slow down Tech’s bats and Haylen Green along with Austin Krob will have some of their best games.
TCU To Continue Their Hot Streak
TCU has been dynamite from the plate, and in five of their last seven games, scored in the double digits. Tech’s pitching has been burned the past two games, so TCU has a chance to continue their hot streak. However, Texas Tech is 16-1 at Rip Griffin Park and has dominated most of their opponents this season when they have been at home. TCU is 8-2 on the road, but one of their worst losses came from Texas State’s road, losing 11-1 (7).
Both Teams Have Their Advantages
Looking at both sides, it is safe to say that Texas Tech has better hitters, but TCU has a solid lineup. Texas Tech may have the most talented hitters in the Big 12, but inconsistency has made it hard for them to hold onto that title. Dru Baker and Jace Jung have been the best batters for the Red Raiders. In fact, a .427 average for Baker and a .388 for Jung. Jung also has 35 RBIs to go along with that as well as 11 home runs. The hitting has been by committee with only one player not having 14 or more RBIs for TCU. TCU also doesn’t rely on the home run the same way Tech does. None of the Horned Frogs have double-digit home run totals.
TCU Keeps The Wins Consistent
This series presents a strange combination of factors that could determine the outcomes. Texas Tech is a much larger boom or bust, while TCU will consistently carry them to success. I do believe that this will be a split series. It is just a matter of who gets hot and when. If Tech can get a pitcher rattled and tee off with some home runs, there is no doubt in my mind that they can absolutely run away with a game. But if TCU manages to keep the game at a steady pace, there is no reason why their more consistent lineup shouldn’t win.
