First-time Frogs: Undefeated freshman LHP Purke helps TCU get to its 1st College World Series

Undefeated freshman Purke gets TCU to 1st CWS

FORT WORTH, Texas — Matt Purke could have been pitching in the minor leagues this summer. Instead, he’ll be starting for TCU in the Horned Frogs’ first-ever College World Series.

Purke last year turned down a significant offer from the Texas Rangers after he was the 14th overall pick in the draft. The hard-throwing left-hander then went to TCU.

Purke is the nation’s top freshman pitcher, with a 14-0 record and 3.23 ERA. He starts Saturday when TCU (51-12) plays Florida State (47-18) in the series opener in Omaha, Neb.

The Frogs are the only first-timer among the eight teams in this year’s College World Series. They advanced by winning a Super Regional at Texas last weekend.