ARLINGTON, Texas (Interstat) — In a season-opening upset Friday afternoon, the Texas Christian Horned Frogs capitalized on a critical Vanderbilt error to score two unearned runs in the eighth inning, then held off a late Commodores rally for a 5-4 victory at Clay Gould Ballpark.

The game’s decisive moment came with two outs in the top of the eighth. TCU, leading 3-2, had already pushed one run across on Karson Cramer’s RBI double that scored Logan Franco, who had tripled. With Cramer on third and Peyton Strosnider on second following an intentional walk and a wild pitch, Vanderbilt reliever Luke Guth was lifted for Andrew Bryan. Facing Kade Brunson, Bryan induced a flyout for what should have been the inning’s final out.

Instead, the inning extended when batter Anthony Franco struck out swinging but reached first on a throwing error by the catcher. The errant throw allowed both Cramer and Strosnider to score, stretching the Horned Frogs’ lead to 5-2. Those two unearned runs proved the ultimate difference.

Vanderbilt, which entered the game with a 58% probability of winning according to Interstat’s ELO system, mounted a persistent offensive effort, outhitting TCU 9-6. The Commodores were powered by three solo home runs from Alan Barczi, who homered in the third, seventh, and ninth innings. His final blast in the bottom of the ninth cut the deficit to 5-4 and brought the potential tying run to the plate.

After Barczi’s homer, TCU closer Colby Quinn was summoned from the bullpen. He allowed a double to RJ Johnston, putting the tying run in scoring position with one out. Quinn, however, struck out Braden Holcomb and got pinch-hitter Tommy Goodin to pop out to shortstop to end the game and secure the save.

The Horned Frogs’ early offense came quickly. Strosnider launched a solo home run to left field in the top of the first inning, providing an immediate lead. Logan Franco added a solo shot of his own in the sixth to make it 3-2 after Vanderbilt had chipped away with Johnston’s RBI homer in the fifth.

TCU’s pitching staff navigated consistent Vanderbilt traffic on the bases. Starter Tommy LaPour allowed two runs over five innings before giving way to Tanner Sagouspe, who earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief. Vanderbilt starter Connor Fennell took the loss, charged with three runs over 5 1/3 innings.

With the win, Texas Christian begins its season 1-0. Vanderbilt starts 0-1. The Horned Frogs continue play in the Arlington tournament Saturday against Arkansas. Vanderbilt will face Texas Tech on Saturday.