Cougars Claw Past Alumni, 5-1

HOUSTON – Houston Baseball used a strong start from Nathan Medrano and received consistent middle-of-the-order production, defeating the Alumni, 5-1, in seven innings as part of Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday from Sanders Field at Schroeder Park.

Medrano was dominant, tossing 4.0 scoreless frames, permitting just one hit while striking out eight. The right-handed junior, who did not allow his first hit until the fourth, issued one walk and ended his afternoon on a double play.

Houston used three hits and timely hitting to take a 2-0 lead in the first. Ryan Hernandez laced a two-out RBI-double down the left field line to score Samuel Tormos (leadoff single, stolen base). Anthony Tulimero followed, lining a two-out, RBI-single into center field.

In the fourth, Hernandez sent a one-out single into left field, taking second on a double into left by Tulimero. With two in scoring position, Nick DeNicola lofted a sacrifice fly into center, plating Hernandez for a 3-0 lead. Houston added on as pinch runner Malachi Lott stole third and scored on an errant throw for a 4-0 advantage.

Alumni reliever Aaron Fletcher, who made 10 appearances with the Seattle Mariners over the last two seasons, tossed a 1-2-3 second inning, striking out a pair. Fellow alumnus Trey Cumbie struck out the side in the third inning and fanned four in 2.0 frames.

The alumni threatened in the fifth, putting two aboard on a pair of hit by pitches before Ben Sears induced an inning-ending flyout to right. In the home half, Brandon Burckel and Alex Lopez connected on back-to-back one-out doubles with Burckel scoring on a wild pitch for a 5-0 lead.

Former Cougar Rey Fuentes struck a two-out, solo home run over the left field wall in the seventh inning as part of three hits on the day for the Alumni.

Houston opens its season one week from Friday at the MLB4 Tournament from Scottsdale, Arizona. First pitch against Cal is slated for 2 p.m. CT and can be seen on the MLB Network. The Cougars face San Diego State on Saturday (6 p.m. CT) and TCU on Sunday (11 a.m. CT).

TICKETS ON SALE
Houston Baseball 2022 season tickets and single-game tickets from Don Sanders Field at Darryl & Lori Schroeder Park. The Cougars will host 32 games including visits from in-state rivals Rice and Sam Houston. Season tickets start as low as $125. To purchase, click here.

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Brandon Burckel

Nick DeNicola

Ryan Hernandez

Alex Lopez

Malachi Lott

Nathan Medrano

Ben Sears

Samuel Tormos

Anthony Tulimero

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