By: Alex Bustillo
Twitter: @tx_tsb
The Frisco Classic makes the claim that they're the #BestOutsideOfOmaha and they prove that every year; 2022 was no different. #FriscoClassic
This year the weekend tournament at Riders Field in Frisco Texas featured Texas A&M from the Big 12, Iowa from the Big 10, Washington State from the Pac 12 and Wichita State representing the American Athletic Conference. The Aggies came down I-45 to Frisco at 6-2, the Hawkeyes came into the weekend 5-3, the Cougars arrived at Riders Field at 6-3 and the Shockers limped into Frisco at 2-7.
Day 1 saw Iowa face-off against Wichita State and the night cap was A&M against Washington State. Hawkeyes jumped out to an early 4-0 lead before the Shockers tied it in the 6th, scoring 4 runs on 5 hits, with the big hit coming off the bat of Payton Tolle, a bases clearing 2 out RBI double. Wichita State added two more in the 8th and Conner Holden shut the door on the Hawkeyes on their way to a 6-4 win. The nightcap saw the Cougars get out to an 11-0 lead by the 4th inning and hang on to defeat Texas A&M by the final of 11-6. Aggies Nathan Dettmer labored through 3.1 innings of work and the bullpen struggled with their command. A&M loaded the bases in the 9th but could only muster 3 runs on 2 hits.
Day 2 paired the Cougars and the Shockers in the early matchup and the Hawkeyes and Aggies at 6pm. Wichita State sent Freshman Payton Tolle to the mound and he delivered. Yes, this is the same Payton Tolle that had 3 RBIs in the Shockers first game. Tolle scattered 6 hits across 7 innings of work, only allowing 1 run and fanned 4. Cougars blasted two solo homeruns but hurt themselves with 3 errors. Wichita State defeated Washington State by the final of 8-2 to improve to 2-0 in Frisco. The Aggies bounced back in the nightcap with a 7-3 win over Iowa. Micah Dallas gave A&M 5 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs while striking out 7 Hawkeyes. Kole Kaler and Jack Moss each delivered 2 RBIs and Jacob Palisch earned the win in relief working 2 innings and striking out 3.
Day 3 featured the Hawkeyes and the Cougars in the early game and A&M and upstart Wichita State in the finale, which ultimately was the Championship game. The Iowa Hawkeyes were able to avoid being swept in Frisco with a 6-5 victory over Washington State. Iowa used a 4 run 6th inning to propel them to the win. Ty Langenberg pitched 5.2 innings in relief and struck out 8 Cougars to keep the Hawkeyes in it. He picked up the win to improve to 2-0. Sunday night got a bit chilly for the Frisco Classic finale that saw the Shockers come from behind again, after being down 4-0 in the 6th. Ryan Prager worked 4 masterful innings for the Aggies, striking out 7 and allowing no runs on just two hits. Wichita State chipped away and got some timely hitting to shave the lead and ultimately go in front in the 7th on the Payton Tolle HR. Robert Hogan was wild in the 8th after Dylan Rock had delivered a pinch hit RBI single in the A&M half of the 8th to tie it at 5. His 3 wild pitches were too much to overcome and the Aggies fell 6-5.
The Wichita State Shockers shook things up in Frisco, sweeping the field and winning the Frisco Classic to improve to 5-7. An impressive showing after starting the season 0-6. Riders Field proved to be good luck for the Wheat Shockers. Payton Tolle wins MVP and OF Sawyre Thornhill earns All-Tournament Team honors.
The field for 2023 is set! The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the Oklahoma Sooners and the University of California will visit Frisco Texas and play in the Frisco Classic next year from Riders Field. Make sure to come join the fun in what promises to be another exciting tournament.