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Roughrider Hurler Verbally Commits to TCU

 

The Center Roughrider baseball team is in a win or stay home situation tonight when they take on Central in the final regular season game of the season. A win and the Riders will likely have to play a district playoff game next week for a chance to advance into post-season.

 

One of the key ingredients for the Riders has been the pitching of Dalton Horton. The 6-5 junior will be on the mound tonight at Roughrider Field, hoping to have a repeat of his last outing when he pitched a no-hitter against Huntington, striking out 20 batters on April 15, a personal best.

 

Dalton's been courted this season by a number of Division one college programs seeking his talent. The 17-year old southpaw made a large step forward in his career and education earlier this week when he verbally committed to play for TCU after graduation next year. The decision came easy, as Dalton's parents, Paul and Tara Horton, said he had always wanted to play baseball for the Horned Frogs since he was 8-years old. Dalton said the work he's put in to have the opportunity to play baseball on the next level is rewarding.

 

For Dalton, his parents say he's had a passion for baseball since he was old enough to hold a ball and bat. He's taken pitching lessons to work on mechanics, and started playing travel ball for a team out of Louisiana at age 13. Two years ago he began playing for the Texas Prospects based in Canton.

 

The Hortons expressed they've attempted to keep Dalton grounded, and for him to not take what he has achieved for granted. They say they've reminded him that God gave him the talent.

 

Dalton says he enjoys the time with his Rider teammates, and said they hope to take care of business tonight.

 

He said he would make his committment to TCU official in November when he signs the Letter of Intent. An opportunity to play at the Division one level doesn't come to often for a home-grown athlete. Dalton's signing will be first for a Center Roughrider baseball player since Robert Culley in the 1970s, and first for a Rider athlete since Ben Wulf in the 90s.

 

It's senior night for the Riders, as they play for the playoffs. First pitch is 7 o'clock.

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