University of Houston Athletics
Murray Named American Newcomer Player of the Year
5/22/2023 2:00:00 PM | Baseball
Murray, Arnold selected to All-AAC First Team
IRVING, Texas – Junior utility player Justin Murray was named the American Athletic Conference Newcomer Position Player of the Year with first team all-conference nods while junior third baseman Zach Arnold also earned All-Conference first team honors, the conference announced Monday.
Murray, a transfer from Dartmouth, immediately made an impact for the Houston baseball team. A two-way player, Murray is the Cougars starting first baseman while also serving as the teams closer. At the plate, Murray led the conference in batting average with a .417 clip and stolen bases at 12 while placing second in hits (40), RBI (29) and steal attempts (15). During conference play Murray recorded a 16-game hitting streak that started against Wichita State while also reaching base in 34 straight-games. The junior also recorded two games where he was perfect at the plate going 5 for 5 against Memphis and 4 for 4 against Tulane. On the mound, the North Carolina native, led the conference in saves with seven and games finished with 11. He also allowed the least amount of runs to cross the plate as well as being the only pitcher to surrender no home runs among pitchers who tossed 1.0 innings per game. Murray was named Conference Player of the Week after his performance against Tulane and was immediately awarded Conference Pitcher of the Week the following week.
Arnold was a constant threat at the plate as well as in the field which earned him the first team all-conference third baseman position. The junior finished the conference season with a .383 batting average, 23 runs, six doubles, five home runs and 21 RBI. The California native recorded only one error during conference play and was part of many double plays throughout the season.
UP NEXT:
With the regular season complete, Houston turns its attention to the American Athletic Conference Tournament in Clearwater, Florida. As the solidified two-seed, the Cougars will play on Tuesday at 3 p.m. CT against the seven-seed Tulane at BayCare Ballpark. More information about the tournament can be found here.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN THE DUGOUT CLUB
Fans are invited to join The Dugout Club to directly support Houston Baseball. Members provide financial support directly to Houston Baseball for needs beyond operating budget. For more information about the Dugout Club, text UHBASEBALL to 71777, call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following UHCougarBB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Baseball. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarbb.
Murray, a transfer from Dartmouth, immediately made an impact for the Houston baseball team. A two-way player, Murray is the Cougars starting first baseman while also serving as the teams closer. At the plate, Murray led the conference in batting average with a .417 clip and stolen bases at 12 while placing second in hits (40), RBI (29) and steal attempts (15). During conference play Murray recorded a 16-game hitting streak that started against Wichita State while also reaching base in 34 straight-games. The junior also recorded two games where he was perfect at the plate going 5 for 5 against Memphis and 4 for 4 against Tulane. On the mound, the North Carolina native, led the conference in saves with seven and games finished with 11. He also allowed the least amount of runs to cross the plate as well as being the only pitcher to surrender no home runs among pitchers who tossed 1.0 innings per game. Murray was named Conference Player of the Week after his performance against Tulane and was immediately awarded Conference Pitcher of the Week the following week.Arnold was a constant threat at the plate as well as in the field which earned him the first team all-conference third baseman position. The junior finished the conference season with a .383 batting average, 23 runs, six doubles, five home runs and 21 RBI. The California native recorded only one error during conference play and was part of many double plays throughout the season.
UP NEXT:
With the regular season complete, Houston turns its attention to the American Athletic Conference Tournament in Clearwater, Florida. As the solidified two-seed, the Cougars will play on Tuesday at 3 p.m. CT against the seven-seed Tulane at BayCare Ballpark. More information about the tournament can be found here.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN THE DUGOUT CLUB
Fans are invited to join The Dugout Club to directly support Houston Baseball. Members provide financial support directly to Houston Baseball for needs beyond operating budget. For more information about the Dugout Club, text UHBASEBALL to 71777, call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following UHCougarBB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Baseball. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarbb.
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