TEMPE, AZ - Arizona State's Kole Klecker Dominates Former Team
In a showdown against his former team, Kole Klecker delivered a standout performance, leading Arizona State to a 4-0 victory over TCU. Klecker, who transferred from TCU to Arizona State in the offseason, was in top form, pitching seven scoreless innings. He struck out seven and allowed just three walks, leaving the Horned Frogs struggling to find their rhythm at the plate.
Klecker's arsenal was on full display, effectively mixing his fastball, cutter, changeup, and curveball to keep TCU hitters off balance. His command and composure on the mound were pivotal in silencing a lineup he once knew well.
On the other side, TCU's Trever Baumler put in a solid effort, keeping the game within reach during his five innings. Baumler gave up three runs on seven hits, striking out two, and exited after throwing a season-high 63 pitches. Walter Quinn followed with two shutout innings in relief, but Zack James allowed a solo home run in the eighth, capping off the Sun Devils' scoring.
Arizona State's offense was sparked by Brody Briggs' sacrifice fly in the second inning, followed by Dominic Smaldino's RBI single in the third. Landon Hairston extended the lead to 3-0 with a home run in the fourth, a margin that proved too much for TCU to overcome. Dean Toigo's solo homer in the eighth sealed the win, as the Sun Devils bounced back from a Friday loss to take the series.
TCU's offensive woes were highlighted by managing just two hits, their lowest since March 2024. The Frogs also stumbled with baserunning errors, including a critical out at home plate when Jack Bell was tagged out after a double and a subsequent fielding error. Another misstep saw Rob Liddington picked off at first to end the fifth inning.
Reflecting on the game, TCU head coach Kirk Saarloos expressed uncertainty about the team's current identity, a sentiment that underscores the challenges they face moving forward.
Looking Ahead
TCU will return to Fort Worth for a midweek matchup against New Mexico State, with the first pitch set for 2 p.m. on ESPN+. Following that, the Horned Frogs will host UCF, who recently swept Oklahoma State, for a weekend series.