With a quarter of the 2017 College World Series field sent home, TCU head coach Jim Schlossnagle looked to truism TCU head football coach Gary Patterson reiterates in the fall: “All we have to do is win by one.”
Schlossnagle is left looking for inspiration with his team needing to win three more elimination games to advance to the College World Series finals.

“I think as a coach you’re always looking for the positive, trying to come with the right thing to say to the guys, but you can’t get ahead of your self because the competition is so good,” Schlossnagle said. “It’s coachy. All hands on deck. One day at a time. To try to stick around here a little longer.”

Schlossnagle needs not to look no further than the 2016 College World Series for a blueprint his team could replicate. After both the Horned Frogs and Oklahoma State won their first two games in Omaha, both eventual national champion Coastal Carolina and national runner-up Arizona climbed out of the loser’s bracket to reach the last round of the NCAA Tournament.

But first, TCU needs to get past the Louisville Cardinals Thursday, who have their own version of a Luken Baker in Brendan McKay. The Cardinal first baseman and left-handed pitcher won the 2017 Dick Howser Trophy, given to the best college baseball player in the country, and was selected No. 4 overall by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2017 MLB Draft.

“They’re an elite team, and I honestly think they’re the most physically talented team here from pitching to defense, athleticism, power, and that speed,” Schlossnagle said.

If TCU can defeat the Cardinals, Florida remains in the national semifinals.

“Florida is very elite on the mound, so it’s Division I baseball at the absolute highest level, and we’re one of those teams too, still standing,” Schlossnagle said.

Lodolo or Traver: Schlossnagle undecided on who will pitch against Louisville
Read More