In Texas Christian's 3-1 victory over Rice Wednesday night – the Frogs' first win against the Owls since 2005 – righthander Mitchell Traver continued to impress. After striking out 11 batters in 7 innings vs. Texas Southern last week, Traver recorded another scoreless outing against Rice, running his scoreless innings streak up to 16.

On a loaded staff that includes senior righthander Preston Morrison, junior lefthander Alex Young, sophomore Tyler Alexander and All-American closer Riley Ferrell, Traver's reemergence has been a pleasant surprise – one that solidifies TCU's stance as one of the best teams in the country.

But to appreciate what Traver has done in his four appearances this season – striking out 18 and walking one in 16 scoreless innings – it's important to understand the long, trying journey that led him to this point.

The summer of 2011 was very good to the then 17-year-old Traver. The towering fireballer from Houston Christian High School was being recruited by some of the best programs in the country: Vanderbilt, Texas, Florida and Texas Christian among them. He was a Perfect Game All-American, a late addition to the West roster that included lefthander Max Fried and righthander Lucas Giolito.

Traver recalls the experience with great fondness.

“I got to throw the ninth inning,” he told Perfect Game earlier this week. “And I got Carlos Correa to make the last out on a hanging breaking ball. I won't forget that one.”

With the First-Year Player Draft less than 10 months away at that point, Traver was expected to be a second- or third-round pick. Options were a plenty, his future bright.

He recorded four complete games as a senior in 2012, posting a 1.60 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings. But following his final appearance of the season, he felt a pop in his elbow. An MRI led to thoracic outlet surgery, a common procedure for overhand throwers to relieve pinched nerves.

Despite the surgery, the Houston Astros drafted him in the 39th round. But the Sugar Land, Texas native chose instead to honor his commitment to TCU. There was just one problem: Traver still didn't feel right.

After another MRI, it was determined that Traver would need Tommy John Surgery, effectively ending his freshman season before it even started.

For Traver, the hardest part wasn't rehab or even not pitching. Fitting in with his new teammates from the bench became his biggest obstacle.

“Having to play the freshman role, and to do it while you're hurt – when you can't play – that was tough,” he said. “I remember talking to my dad and asking how can I earn the respect of these guys if I can't play? I had nothing in common with a lot of the older guys and it was a huge challenge. But they picked me up and I even went on a few trips with them.”

TCU Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle (Photo: Michael Clements)