TCU returns the favor to Tech, smack the Red Raiders 13-6

After blasting the TCU bullpen last night, the Horned Frogs returned the favor to Conference-leader Texas Tech Saturday night in Fort Worth. The Red Raiders, who'll leave the Fort Worth atop the Big 12 standings regardless of tomorrow's result, can still take a sizable shiner  back to West Texas with them tomorrow.

Tech made a large dent to their early lead in the 5th inning after a big homerun put them up 5-1. While the Red Raider chants began to pour, so did the TCU runs in the bottom half of the inning. The Horned Frogs collected 7 runs in the inning to go up 8-5 and the Red Raiders never recovered.

TCU continued to tack on runs, and a four-spot in the bottom of 6th was the final, heavy blow they'd deliver in a very important Saturday win at home--in front of a very chippy crowd as well. The Super Regional-feel of these game is very much in the air: Although Tech will leave Fort Worth still in control of their Conference lead, a series win by the Frogs undoubtedly puts enormous pressure on a team who, while red hot in March and most of April, is facing back-to-back Conference series losses tomorrow afternoon.

With Rex Hill making his first weekend appearance since being relegated to the midweek about a month ago, it won't be easy to snatch a series win tomorrow. Hill has managed to get his ERA back to sub-6.00 (5.40) after going to the Tuesday role; and while it's a role that's suited his confidence well, the weekend demons still haunt him. We knew this would be a series of offense, and with Mitchell Traver's return looming, Hill doesn't have to be glamorous in his start tomorrow, but his team will need his best.

Brace yourself: There will be runs