Cougars Outlasted in American Opener

HOUSTON – Houston starter Jaycob Deese's complete game was overshadowed as the Cougars fell 4-0 to Wichita State in the American Athletic Conference opener Friday night from Sanders Field at Schroeder Park.

Wichita State starter Jace Kaminska (2-2) tossed 8.0 scoreless innings, allowing four hits alongside 12 strikeouts without a walk. The right-hander held Houston (17-9, 0-1 American) to 1-for-6 (.167) with runners in scoring position.

Deese (1-2) went toe-to-toe with the Wichita State righty, limiting the Shockers (12-14, 1-0 American) to one unearned run (four total) on five hits across a career-high 9.0 innings. The complete game was the first for a Houston pitcher since March 24, 2018 (Aaron Fletcher vs. Memphis).

After tossing up five straight scoreless frames, a throwing error extended the ninth inning and Wichita State's Chuck Ingram swatted a two-out, three-run home run over the wall in left center for a 4-0 lead.

The Shockers capitalized on a Houston error in the third inning, taking a 1-0 lead on a would-be double play ball that scored Will Stark who led off the frame with a walk.

Houston's top four in the order went a combined to go 0-for-16 with nine strikeouts. Anthony Tulimero and Zach Arnold each saw their nine-game hit streaks snapped in the loss.

UP NEXT
The teams return to action with the middle game set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday. The Cougars will send right-hander Nathan Medrano (3-1, 4.24 ERA) to the mound against southpaw Payton Tolle (2-2, 2.62 ERA).

Houston Baseball will be celebrating 75 years of Houston Athletics all weekend highlighted by a commemorative Coke bottle giveaway on Saturday. Tickets for each game are priced at just $7.50.

A Houston win on Saturday means fans in attendance walk away with a buy one, get one free box combo offer courtesy of Raising Cane's.

DUGOUT CLUB 
Fans can help support the Houston Baseball program directly by joining the Dugout Club. To find out more information about the Dugout Club, text UHBASEBALL to 71777, call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GoUH or visit UHCougarPride.com. 
 
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Brandon Burckel

Ryan Hernandez

Malachi Lott

Brandon Uhse

Players Mentioned

Zach Arnold

Jaycob Deese

Nathan Medrano