Despite a 3-11 start, the Cougars can take solace in knowing they have improved in one area.
The once-struggling offense has shown some signs of life in recent games. The Cougars scored a combined 41 runs in their last five games, a far cry from the 15 runs they recorded in the five games before that stretch.
Of course, the Cougars also gave up runs at an alarming rate during the last five contests, surrendering an eye-popping 61 runs with a large chunk of that coming in Tuesday’s 18-16 loss to Sam Houston State.
The Cougars, however, would rather focus on the positives, and though there are few of these, they are not ready to give up on the season, which continues with this weekend’s three-game series against Pacific at Klein Family Field in Stockton, Calif.
‘It’s tough, but we’re going to win as a team and lose as a team,’ center fielder Zak Presley said. ‘The pitchers are working hard; they’ve just got to keep their noses to the grindstone and keep going at it, day in and day out.’
‘This is a funny game. Sometimes, it’ll really test you,’ he said.
Pacific (3-8) is also experiencing a rough stretch of its own, entering today’s series opener, which is slated to start at 7:35 p.m., on a five-game losing streak.
The Tigers’ pitching staff sports a 5.59 ERA, and their offense (.263 team average) hasn’t been anything special, but don’t think the Cougars are expecting wins to come easy against Pacific.
‘I’m sure that they’ll be very good when we walk into the ballpark,’ head coach Rayner Noble said. ‘Most teams have been this year. We’ve just got to take care of business.’
UH left-hander Wes Musick (0-3, 8.16 ERA) will start the opener. Musick was roughed up in his last start, lasting only 3 1/3 innings, giving up seven runs on seven hits and three walks in a 13-5 loss to Cal Poly on Friday.
Pacific will oppose Musick with ace left-hander Joey Centanni (1-1, 1.35 ERA).
The Cougars will probably start right-handers Frank Corolla (0-1, 4.11) and Michael Goodnight (2-0, 3.00) on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Considering these two have been UH’s most consistent starters, the Cougars have to liken their chances of getting back on track this weekend.
‘(This series) is huge for us,’ Presley said. ‘Wes is getting the ball Friday night, and I know he’s ready to go out there and show them what he’s got. We’ve just got to keep the offense going, and the pitching will come.’
