After outscoring George Washington University 24-2 over three games, the Cougars will be hoping to keep up the pace on offense against the Aggies. | File photo/The Cougar
The No. 16 Cougars face off against the top-ranked Texas A&M University Aggies Tuesday night in what will be the Cougars’ most important game so far this season.
Houston enters the non-conference match up after a weekend sweep of the George Washington University Colonials. The Cougars outscored the Colonials by a combined run total of 24-2. Capped off by a 14-0 victory on Sunday afternoon, the Cougars appear to be in top form entering their match up with the top ranked team in the nation.
The Aggies took two of three games against the Louisiana State University Tigers over the weekend and enter Tuesday’s game as winners of eight of their last 10 games. Having lost just three games the entire season, the Aggies prove to be a challenge for any opponent.
A starting pitcher has not yet been named for the home Cougars, but a solid performance will be crucial. Houston’s pitching has been dominant in its first 23 games, owning a 2.25 ERA and holding opposing hitters to a cumulative .201 average. Look for junior John King or freshman Mitch Ullom to start on the mound, as they are the typical weekday starters for the Cougars.
With increased experience coming as the season has worn on, Ullom has been electric in back to back starts. The freshman now has a 3-1 record and owns just a 2.59 ERA, making him a deserving candidate to get the nod against Texas A&M.
Lead-off man and catcher Connor Wong is looking sharp in recent weeks, as shown by his .365 average and team leading 23 runs. Senior Michael Pyeatt hopes to stay hot Tuesday night when he carries his 15 game hitting streak into the Texas A&M game.
Texas A&M has been impressive at the plate this season hitting .336 as a team by way of 21 homeruns, 54 doubles and 14 triples. The Aggies are aggressive on the base paths and have swiped 39 bases in 48 attempts.
The teams are close in proximity and share an extensive history on the baseball diamond. This will be the 169th meeting between the Cougars and Aggies with Texas A&M leading the series 110-57-1. Despite trailing in the all-time series, Houston has won three of the last four matchups against the Aggies.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Daryl & Lori Schroeder Park in Houston.
