University of Houston
UCF
Houston Falls in Extras in Regular-Season Finale at UCF
5/18/2019 11:50:00 PM | Baseball
Cougars next head to Clearwater, Fla., for The American Championship
ORLANDO, Fla.-- The University of Houston Baseball team fell 11-10 in 11 innings to UCF on Saturday night at John Euliano Park.
With the decision, the Cougars, who are receiving votes in the latest NCBWA Top 30 poll as well as the USA Today Coaches Poll, move to 32-22 on the season and 12-12 in American Athletic Conference play, while the Knights take the series and improve to 34-20 on the season and 11-13 in league action.
KEY INNINGS
1st | Houston struck first with one run on a two-out RBI single from junior right fielder Lael Lockhart Jr. However, UCF scored three runs in the bottom frame.
3rd | The Knights scored four runs in the third.
4th | The Cougars answered with a four-spot in the fourth on back-to-back two-out, two-RBI singles from junior third baseman Jared Triolo and freshman second baseman Brad Burckel.
6th | UCF added a run in the sixth.
7th | Houston tied the game with three runs in the top of the seventh. With the bases loaded, Triolo plated senior center fielder Grayson Padgett with a sacrifice fly. Burckel walked to reload the bases in the next at-bat, and senior first baseman Joe Davis delivered junior shortstop Kobe Hyland and sophomore catcher Kyle Lovelace with a single through the left side of the infield. Unfortunately, the Knights scored two runs in the bottom frame.
9th | Down to their final two outs, Triolo and junior pinch runner Landon Etzel executed a double steal and came home on a throwing error from the catcher that ended up down the left field line to tie the game at 10-10.
11th | The Knights scored one run in the bottom of the 11th for 11-10 final.
HOUSTON NOTES
Offense:
• Triolo (3-for-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R), Burckel (3-for-6, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R) and Padgett (3-for-7, 1 2B, 2 R) each doubled and finished with three hits in the extra-inning affair. For Burckel, the three hits tied his career high.
• Tyler Bielamowicz finished 2-for-6, while Davis (1-for-2, 2 RBI), Hyland (1-for-5, 2 R) and Lockhart Jr. (1-for-6, 1 RBI) all singled, respectively.
• Davis was intentionally walked four times. His four walks were a career high.
Pitching:
• Senior right-hander Nolan Bond (1-2) suffered the loss, allowing one run in the 11th inning.
• Junior Fred Villarreal tossed two scoreless innings in the ninth and 10th.
• Cougars Ryan Randel, Devon Roedahl, Brayson Hurdsman and Sean Bretz also pitched.
ON DECK
The Cougars will face UConn in the opening game of 2019 American Athletic Conference Championship on Tuesday at 8 a.m. CT.
Taking place across May 21-26, the tournament is being held at Spectrum Field, Spring Training home of the Philadelphia Phillies, for the sixth straight year. For the Championship Central page, click HERE.
STAY CONNECTED
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JOIN DUGOUT CLUB
Fans can help support the Houston Baseball program by joining the Dugout Club. To find out more information about the Dugout Club, visit UHCougarPride.com or call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GoUH.
