The Cougars haven’t won the season series against Rice since 2000. | Esteban Portillo/The Daily Cougar
The last time UH was in possession of the Silver Glove Trophy, which is awarded annually to the winner of the UH-Rice baseball series, most students were still in elementary school.
The 14-year old trophy has resided at UH only once since it was created. The Cougars last won the series in 2000, but Friday present their best chance to take the Silver Glove in some time when a three-game series between the schools open.
The Cougars enter the game with a better winning percentage than the Owls, but the same amount of wins at 26.
Junior infielder Frankie Ratcliff said the Owls will present a tough challenge.
“We have the weekend series against Rice, which is big,” Ratcliff said. “Our goal is to come out tomorrow with a lot of focus and energy to come away with the win.”
UH lost two consecutive series before rebounding with a 12-2 win against Texas Southern.
If the Cougars hope to garner a victory, they must pitch well and get better production from their bats. In their last 11 games, the Cougars have scored more than three runs three times.
Overall, the Cougars are still swinging the bat better than they did last season. The Cougars have 11 home runs this season compared to 15 all last season and have a team batting average of .278.
Starting pitcher Aaron Garza said the win puts the Cougars in a good position for success this week.
“This win propels us,” Garza said. “We have a five game week this week with McNeese tomorrow, and a big series against Rice this weekend. Being able to start the week with a win was huge.”
If the Cougars continue to play well, the Silver Glove could make its way back to Scott Street.
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