The Cougars will be looking for a marquee out-of-conference win before preparing for the American Athletic Conference season. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar
The UH baseball team will kick off the 2016 Silver Glove Series Tuesday night when it welcomes cross-town rival Rice University to Darryl and Lori Schroeder Park.
After a slow start, the 13-6 Cougars appear to be gaining traction with a five-game win streak and just one loss in their last 10 games. The team has fared well at home this season, accumulating a 10-2 record in its first 12 games at Schroeder Park.
Last season, the Owls took the Silver Glove Series two games to one. The Owls handed the Cougars a 3-2 loss after a 20-inning marathon that ended the team’s season during regional play.
To avenge last season’s heartbreaking loss, the Cougars will rely on the bats sophomore Connor Wong and early-season-standout freshman Joe Davis.
Davis is hitting .408 this season and leads the team with five home runs and 25 RBI. Wong has shown his ability to get on base with his 25 hits and team-leading 15 walks this season.
A starting pitcher for Tuesday night has not yet been named, but the Cougars have enjoyed great pitching from multiple contributors so far this season. The pitching staff has combined ERA of 2.36, headlined by sophomore Seth Romero’s minuscule 0.78 ERA.
The team will need a great performance on the mound in order to slow down the Owls. Despite an unusually slow start to the season, and a 10-9 record, the Owls have managed to hit .248 as a team, and they are no stranger to posting high run totals.
Rice is led by freshman infielder Ford Proctor, who is hitting .354 in his first 19 games as a college athlete. Proctor has also managed 10 walks and 12 RBI, making him a versatile hitter the Cougars will need to keep close tabs on.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night at Schroeder Park.
