TCU Advances To College World Series

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Catcher Kyle Bacak’s squeeze bunt capped a two-run, ninth-inning rally, leading TCU to a 6-5 victory over Pepperdine on Monday in Fort Worth, Texas, and a berth in the College World Series.

The Horned Frogs (47-16) won the Super Regional two games to one over the Waves (43-18).

TCU is headed to the College World Series for the second time in school history. The Horned Frogs also reached Omaha, Neb., in 2010.

Pepperdine led 5-4 and was three outs from a trip to Omaha before TCU’s late comeback.

Horned Frogs second baseman Garrett Crain and designated hitter Jerrick Suiter singled to open the top of the ninth inning. Right fielder Dylan Fitzgerald followed with a game-tying double to right field, scoring Crain and moving Suiter to third. After a popout, Bacak’s squeeze bunt brought home Suiter with the go-ahead run.

The Waves threatened in the bottom of the ninth. Pinch hitter Jack Ross drew a leadoff walk, and he advanced to third after a sacrifice bunt and a groundout. Third baseman Austin Davidson walked to keep the inning alive, but TCU pitcher Riley Ferrell struck out Pepperdine right fielder Bryan Langlois to end the game.

Ferrell pitched two scoreless, hitless innings to earn the win. Pepperdine reliever

Eric Karch was the losing pitcher after allowing both TCU runs in the ninth.

Shortstop Keaton Jones led the TCU offense with three hits. Horned Frogs first baseman Kevin Cron hit a solo home run in the fifth inning and added an RBI double in the sixth. Bacak also collected two hits.

Pepperdine center fielder Aaron Brown went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Waves left fielder Brandon Caruso hit a two-run homer and a triple.

TCU will open College World Series play Sunday against Big 12 rival Texas Tech. A third Big 12 team, Texas, is in the eight-team field.