University of Houston
21-11, 3-3
Cincinnati
13-17, 3-3
Cincinnati Slugs Past Houston
4/10/2022 2:10:00 PM | Baseball
The Cougars (21-11, 3-3 American) scored six runs over the first four innings but the Bearcats (13-17, 3-3 American) consistently battled back, taking a 4-3 lead with three runs in the second inning and a 7-6 lead with a three-run fourth.
Houston had its chances in the ninth, putting the first two runners aboard as Brandon Burckel singled and pinch-hitter Brandon Uhse walked. A pop up, caught stealing and strikeout ended the threat.
Houston first baseman Ryan Hernandez clobbered a three-run home run, estimated at 441 feet, in the first inning to provide the Cougars a 3-0 lead. The long ball was his fourth in the last 12 games and followed an Alex Lopez double and Cameron Nickens walk.
Lopez, starting at designated hitter, struck his second home run of the series, putting Houston back on top, 5-4 with a two-run home run in the third inning. A Burckel squeeze bunt one inning later stretched Houston's lead to two.
Cincinnati leadoff hitter Paul Komistek (3-for-5) drove in a run in the second inning and scored one of the Bearcats' two runs in the sixth inning as the club stretched their lead to 9-6. Five of Cincinnati's seven hits came with runners aboard.
Houston starter Derrick Cherry lasted just 1.1 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on one hit alongside three walks. Cincinnati starter Garrett Harker permitted five runs on three hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 3.0 innings.
Cincinnati reliever Tristan Weaver (3-3) earned the win, allowing one run on three hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Ryan Steckline locked down the save behind 2.0 scoreless frames. Houston reliever Kyle LaCalameto (2-1) was saddled with the loss, permitting four hits and three runs (one earned) in 2.1 innings.
UP NEXT
Houston opens an eight-game homestand when it hosts UTRGV at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The matchup will be the third this season between the two programs with Houston taking both prior matchups, 16-10, and 3-1.
As part of 2-Dollar Tuesday, fans can purchase $2 tickets at the box office on game day and take advantage of $2 nachos at the concession stand.
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.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Baseball on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarBB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Baseball on Facebook.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Weaver, Tristan (3-3)
L: LaCalameto, Kyle (2-1)
S: Steckline, Ryan (1)
Batting:
2B: Lopez, Alex 1 ; McMillan, Ian 1
HR: Lopez, Alex 1 ; Hernandez, Ryan 1
RBI: Lopez, Alex 2 ; Hernandez, Ryan 3 ; Burckel, Brandon 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Lott, Malachi 1 ; Lopez, Alex 2 ; Nickens, Cameron 1 ; Hernandez, Ryan 1 ; McMillan, Ian 1
CS: Tracy, Tab 1
HBP: Hernandez, Ryan 1 ; Burckel, Brandon 1
Batting:
2B: Powell, Joe 1 ; Merritt, Griffin 1
RBI: Komistek, Paul 1 ; Powell, Joe 2 ; Harting, Cole 1 ; Merritt, Griffin 2
SH: Bremner, Dondrae 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Komistek, Paul 1 ; Powell, Joe 1 ; Harting, Cole 1 ; Nicholson, Ryan 1 ; Cross, Kerrington 1 ; Palmieri, Max 1 ; Bremner, Dondrae 1 ; Stapp, Wyatt 2
CS: Merritt, Griffin 1 ; Cross, Kerrington 1
HBP: Merritt, Griffin 1 ; Palmieri, Max 1
