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TCU couldn't have asked for a better opener: Brian Howard pitched absolutely brilliantly and the Frog offense continues to show signs of being its best since 2010. In 6 2/3 innings and 95 pitches of work, Howard fanned 7, and allowed only one run and one walk. Freshmen Josh Watson and Luken Baker both ripped doubles, and Dane Steinhagen had himself a day; nabbing a double himself as well as a homerun. Also: It's not every day someone improves on a .600 batting average, but Elliott Barzilli, who went 3-4, climbed into the .700s and thieved a base in Fridays win over the Ragin' Cajuns.
The Frogs, who're now 4-1, look to improve to 5-1 tonight in Houston against Wayne Graham's Rice Owls. The Owls, who've been ho-hum thus far in 2016, and are coming off a big loss to Arkansas, are always a snake in the bush and they're still going to be a big test for freshman wunderkind, Luken Baker.
Prediction: TCU 5, Rice 2:
I think the Owls test the young Baker, but once again, the freshman produces big on the mound and at the plate. Also, Barz, Watson, and Steinhagen match the team's extra base total from yesterday (4), and get the big second win in Houston.