Houston beat Alabama-Birmingham 10-5 to keep their chance at reaching the Conference USA Tournament finals.
The Cougars (37-22) claimed the early 4-0 lead after two innings. The Blazers (26-33) answered with two in the fourth inning, but Houston continued to extend their lead with six runs in the next four innings to put the score at 10-5.
Houston’s offensive power was matched on the mound.
Sophomore starting pitcher Donnie Joseph led the Cougars, allowing only two unearned runs with three strikeouts in 3.2 innings.
He was replaced by freshman Ty Stuckey (3-3), who gave up three runs off six hits in 4.1 innings. Junior reliever Jimmy Raviele shut out the Blazers in the ninth to give the Cougars the win.
The Cougars will face the Blazers again later on Saturday and must win in order to continue in the C-USA Tournament.
