Texas State vs. TCU
by Zach Chase
On Saturday, TCU scrimmaged Texas State at home in Fort Worth. While there wasn’t much available information, TCU took care of business 15-7.
The game was started for TCU by Sophomore lefty Ben Abeldt, who picked up 4 strikeouts in 2 innings of work. Abeldt is coming off an incredible Freshman season where he anchored TCU’s pen. The 6’3 lefty struck out 71 in 55 innings en route to making Team USA and being named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team. Last year he was predominately FB/SL out of the pen. He threw his FB 84% of the time and sat 91-93 topping at 96. His success as a starter depends on refining his slider and changeup (which he only threw 2%).
Fellow Sophomore lefty Chase Hoover, Sophomore righty Jax Traeger, & 5th year Arkansas transfer lefty Zach Morris each also threw scoreless innings respectively. Otherwise, here are the most notable performances from the day:
Payton Tolle
Last year at Wichita State, Tolle developed into one of the best and most unique dual threats in the country, bringing firepower both from the rubber & at the plate. Not many batters in the country hit 13 home runs and not many arms struck out 97 hitters; well Tolle did both. Tolle is a 6’6 left handed unit and is a legit weapon on the mound and the plate. In his last 2023 outing his FB was 92-94 topping at 96 with a good slider that generates 39% whiff and a change. Based on his home run off the batter’s eye & 4 strikeouts on Saturday, he looks poised to repeat similar feats as a key piece to this TCU team.
Anthony Silva
Silva was among the most talented freshman players in the country at any position last season, let alone shortstop. The Sophomore is eligible for the 2024 MLB Draft and likely a Day 1 lock. He’s one of the best defensive SS in the country that moves exceptionally well with a strong arm. He has a wiry frame with room to put on weight but he displayed some power Saturday launching a home run. He’s a tantalizing prospect that will be at the top of many draft boards.
Peyton Chatagnier
Chatagnier, a 5th year senior transfer second baseman from Ole Miss, brings 3 seasons of starting in an SEC lineup, including for a National Championship team in 2021, to Fort Worth. He had a triple off the wall on Saturday & later scored on a wild pitch as he looks to try to lock down a starting infield spot in his new home.
Chase Brunson
Brunson, an incoming Freshman outfielder, showed off a preview of his talents with a double off the wall.
Credits: Photo by TCU Baseball
