US and A, part deux

While our Horned Frog warriors recover from TCU's first ever College World Series loss, I'd like to remind everyone the United States plays tomorrow in a crucial match against Algeria.

Similar to Slovakia, we're not supposed to have any real trouble pulling this one out, but we almost blew it against the Slovaks, and made it nearly impossible to move forward in the tournament.

There are a number of scenarios involving England, and thier game with Slovakia that could also dictate our future, but they are pretty boring and I'm not going into it.
Bottom line is we need to win - not only for points, but for an emotional boost as we look forward to the next round.

Couple of fun facts:

Established in 1014 AD, Algeria is located in North Africa (who knew?)

A community of anthropologists and other nerds have hypothesized that Algeria is the location and source of the birth of humanity, otherwise known as the home of Adam and Eve, Garden of Eden, serpents, etc.

Ancient Algerians practiced Shamenism, which is a proponent of ingesting psychedelic mushrooms, and have a vast ammount of cave art, and other paintings to prove it.

Well, shoot...

After having won the Super Regional in Austin, I think we all thought that TCU had disposed of the best pitching staff in the country. Maybe they did, but I think UCLA definitely has to be entered into the conversation. Two days after Trevor Bauer and his kinetic antics shut down the Florida Gators, it was Gerritt Cole's turn to shut down the Frogs.

Not much you can say after a game like that, other than to congratulate the Bruins on a game well played. Cole was fantastic on the mound, and their hitters got the best of Winkler early- something we haven't seen much in his two years at TCU.

The positives from last night:

-Paul Gerrish and Kaleb Merck both looked fantastic in relief. If the Frogs are to come back and challenge for the championship, they'll likely need all the arms they can get, and those two proved they are up to the challenge of Rosenblatt.

-Taylor Featherstons's triple! Win or lose, that is one of the best moments in TCU baseball that I can remember. One more strike and the game is essentially over, but after that hit the Frogs were right back in it.

-Brance Rivera's catch in right field foul territory (pictured above). The announcers kept raving and raving about this catch all night long, and for good reason: it was a hell of a freaking play. Rivera has been a constant improvement over his two seasons at TCU, so good things are likely in his future.

Morning Dump

Omaha:

UCLA ace baffles TCU, Frogs one loss from elimination Star-Telegram

Schlossnagle doesn't like being miked for TV Star-Telegram

Gil Lebreton: UCLA's gamble leaves TCU out in the Cole Star-Telegram

Gerrit Cole's effort propels UCLA past TCU L.A. Times

Cole, UCLA bruise Horned Frogs Omaha World-Herald

From dirt to shirts, fans want it Omaha World-Herald

TCU falls to Cole, UCLA in College World Series Houston Chronicle

TCU's rally falls short in 6-3 loss to UCLA gofrogs.com

TCU's rally falls short, Bruins win 6-3 TCU Daily Skiff


Conference Expansion:

Expansion options abound for Big 12 Tulsa World


Football:

Bills' Schobel leaning toward not playing Associated Press

Cannon named to Outland Watch List Odessa American

Cannon, Kirkpatrick on Outland Watch List gofrogs.com

Carder, Johnson on Nagurski Watch List gofrogs.com

Fiesta Bowl shell shock?

OK boys...enough is enough...

MAKE IT HAPPEN.