The best solution would be adding such an option to TIC-80, but for now you can use xdotool (https://www.semicomplete.com/projects/xdotool/) like this:
tic80pro & # Run TIC-80 in the background. Change `tic80pro` to whatever your binary is named, of course sleep 3 # Wait for it to start. On a RPi this number might be higher xdotool type --delay 99ms surf # Type ‘surf’ but not too fast. Again, tweak this number so it works xdotool key --delay 99ms Return # Hit the return key