Baseball Sports

Baseball set for match ups against area foes

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Bats will be key to securing midweek wins. | Justin Cross/The Cougar

After a rain-shortened weekend series against No. 20 Tulane University saw the baseball team take one game, the Cougars are set for two midweek games against Sam Houston State University and Prairie View A&M University beginning Tuesday.

The baseball team is currently fourth in the American Athletic Conference standings with a 6-8 conference record and a 24-17 overall record.

With the season entering its last month, the team needs to make a real push in order to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Freshman first baseman Joe Davis has continued his hot season and is hitting .329 with eight home runs and 36 RBI. Davis’ eight home runs put him within one long ball of the school record of nine, a record dating back to 1986.

The Cougars now have four players with batting averages over the coveted .300 mark in Davis, sophomore outfielder Corey Julks, sophomore catcher Connor Wong and redshirt senior infielder Michael Pyeatt. All four players have elevated their play for the team’s attempt at making a playoff run.

Freshman pitcher Mitch Ullom is currently tied for the team lead in wins at 5-2 and has a 2.59 ERA. Ullom is expected to make a start in one of the midweek matchups due to his scheduled start on Sunday being cancelled because of rain.

On Tuesday, the Cougars will head north to Huntsville for a game against the Sam Houston State University Bearkats. The teams squared off last Tuesday and the Cougars came out on top with a 4-3 win.

Despite losing to the Cougars, Sam Houston State has remained hot and is the winner of nine of their last 10 games. A midweek win against the Bearkats could help solidify the Cougars’ playoff resume.

The Bearkats are led by sophomore outfielder Bryce Johnson, who leads the team with his .373 average and 24 RBI. Johnson has also shone on the base paths and has swiped 18 bases in 21 attempts.

On Wednesday the Cougars return home to take on the Prairie View A&M Panthers at Darryl & Lori Schroeder Park.

The Panthers enter the matchup with the Cougars at just 10-28 on the season. Struggling the entire season, Prairie View A&M has lost eight of their last nine games.

Prairie View is led offensively by sophomore outfielder Darrien Williams, who paces the team with his .351 average. Senior infielder Angel Avalos leads the team with 40 hits and is tied for the team lead with six home runs and 30 RBI.

This will be the 11th meeting between these schools, and Houston will try to stay undefeated against the Panthers with a victory on Wednesday night.

First pitch on Wednesday is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. from Schroeder Park.

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