Ryan Folmar says TCU's confidence stands out

You don’t have to be in the kitchen to feel the heat. Oral Roberts head coach Ryan Folmar discussed TCU‘s red-hot streak before the Horned Frogs attempt to cook the Golden Eagles on Friday at the Men’s College World Series.

“The biggest thing when you look at them is those young, talented players gaining experience and gaining confidence. So it’s a confident group coming in. They’ve been on a great run just like everybody else in the tournament,” Folmar said about TCU.

The Horned Frogs’ run to Omaha has been extra special. TCU is 18-1 since May 6. The team ran through the Big 12 Tournament despite finishing fourth in the conference in the regular season. TCU followed up the impressive feat with an undefeated path to the World Series, outscoring its opponents 54-18 through five postseason contests.

While the Horned Frogs boasts several respected veterans, the team’s youth shines. TCU has four players on the Big 12 All-Freshman Team, the most of any program in the conference. Folmar believes these breakout stars have only responded positively to postseason pressure.

“The development of their young players throughout the season has been very good,” Folmar said. “Those young players have started to really gel and start to play well and have gained a ton of experience throughout the season.”

Freshman right-handed pitcher Kole Klecker is set to start for TCU against Oral Roberts. The 6-foot-2 standout has a 3.84 ERA this season, contributing to a 10-4 record. In his last outing, Klecker squeezed seven scoreless innings out of Indiana State in the Forth Worth Super Regional.

Klecker isn’t the only freshmen threatening Oral Roberts’ chances at a national title. Freshman catcher Karson Bowen leads TCU with a .355 batting average. First-year infielder Anthony Silva trails just behind, carrying a .340 batting average into the World Series.

Despite TCU’s pools of talent, Folmar believes his team can make a splash in Omaha.

“We have to find a way to play well. We have to find a way to do what we do. We have to find a way to get the ball to some guys at the back end of our bullpen with the game close. If we do that, we feel like we’re going to have an opportunity to win,” Folmar said.

Folmar and his Golden Eagles will take on TCU at 2 p.m. ET on Friday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.