James Beltran
The Houston Cougars ranked No. 17 in the most recent Baseball America Top 25 Poll. But nearing the midway point in Conference USA play, it is clear the title race is going down to the wire.
Despite leading C-USA with their 9-3 conference record, the Cougars still find themselves in a jumble at the top.
Only one game in the loss column separates Houston from dropping all the way to fourth place in the standings.
The Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, UNC Charlotte 49ers and Tulane Green Wave are all putting the heat on Houston.
Adding to the Cougars' worries is their remaining schedule. The second half of their conference games locks Houston with three games against UNCC and three against the Green Wave.
How they do in these series will likely spell their fate in the fight for the C-USA title.
"I may be looking ahead," said Houston coach Rayner Noble. "I know my team isn't. They know to take it one game at a time."
Another team to keep an eye on is the South Florida Bulls. They are hiding in the shadows with a fifth-place mask on their face and an impressive 23-13 record concealed in their coat.
Green Wave on high tide
After a mediocre 3-4 start in league play, Tulane has splashed its way back into contention, winning its last four C-USA games.
The Green Wave seems to have weathered the worst of the storm. With games against the 49ers, Golden Eagles and Bulls already out of the way, Houston is the only formidable opponent left to face.
Besides Houston, Tulane's remaining opponents combine to win a dismal 40 percent of their games. If it is able to swat down the pesky teams that reside in the doldrums of C-USA, the Green Wave will surely make the analysts who picked it to win the conference look like geniuses.
Conditions, however, do not look so dandy in the eyes of Tulane coach Rick Jones. "We're not 100 percent healthy," he said. "Houston - they're the team to beat. They beat the good teams and play the good ball."
But Jones' club has been playing some decent baseball itself of late. It has won four of its last five, including a sweep of the UAB Blazers.
"If anyone knows what Tulane is capable of, it's me," Noble said. "I think they'll be a big factor in the conference."
Hitter of the Week
Selection for C-USA Hitter of the Week has reached its fifth round, and so far, winners have been represented by only two schools: Houston and Southern Mississippi. For the third time this season, USM produced the winner, this time senior outfielder Kyle Logan. He hit two doubles and three homers, scoring eight runs and getting 13 RBI on the week.
Pitcher of the Week
Junior right-handed pitcher Mike Portell of the Saint Louis Billikens shut out the Bulls' conference-leading offense on April 6, pitching a complete game, walking zero and striking out seven.
Series of the Week
The Cougars will play a three-game series against the 49ers at Cougar Field April 11-13.
With only one game separating these teams in the loss column, a couple of defeats to the Cougars may dethrone them as king of the C-USA hill.
But it's still early. And with all the teams crammed into contention, there may be many more lead changes before it's all said and done.