The Houston Cougars extended their run in the Conference USA Tournament by upsetting No. 28 East Carolina 2-1 on Friday at Greer Field in New Orleans.
With the win, the Cougars moved to 36-22 on the season and eliminated the Pirates (40-19) from the C-USA tournament.
ECU sprang out to an early lead in the first inning with a homer from senior outfielder Harrison Eldridge in his first at bat to put the Blazers up 1-0.
However, the Pirates did not match their success at the plate on the pitcher’s mound.
ECU freshman starting pitcher Sthil Sowers (4-4) gave up six hits and two runs in 5.1 innings, and both of Houston’s runs came from Cougars who reached base on a walk.
In the top of the sixth, sophomore outfielder Zak Presley tripled to bring home junior infielder Jimmy Cesario to tie the game.
UH took the lead with freshman outfielder Caleb Ramsey brought home senior pitcher Bryan Tully with a single. The run gave the Cougars a 2-1 lead that would not be contested by the Pirates.
Tully gave up only three hits against the Pirates, moving to 5-3 on the season. Freshman pitcher Chase Dempsay, who entered the game in the sixth, gave up just one hit in 3.2 innings to earn his eleventh save of the season.
UH must win two games against UAB to advance to the finals. The first game between the teams will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday with the second game at 7:30 p.m. if necessary.
