Student Publications
University of Houston
151C Communications Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4015
713.743.5350

©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

Sports

Big mo' on UH's side tonight vs. Lamar

Ricky Hargrove to make start against Cardinals with hopes of improving season record to 2-0

Cougar Sports Services

Going into last weekend's match-up against Monmouth University, the Cougars (7-5) had confidence after a 12-3 slashing of Northwestern State (then 4-5). After sweeping Monmouth in three games, UH heads into Beaumont on a four-game streak, carrying considerable momentum into tonight's game against Lamar at 6:30 p.m.

Ricky Hargrove (1-0) makes his second start of the season against Lamar (6-6). His ERA (0.61) and opponent batting averages (.140) lead the team and are among best in Conference USA. Hargrove has thrown 14.2 innings so far with 12 strikeouts.

Houston's pitching staff as a whole has shown improvement since its earlier struggles against Arizona State. In a total of 25 innings pitched against Monmouth (0-3), UH pitchers gave up only two earned runs.

On the offensive end, sophomore center fielder Bryan Tully currently leads the team with a .415 batting average, also among the best in Conference USA. In the power department, junior pitcher Brad Lincoln leads the way with three home runs and 16 RBIs.

During Game 1 of the Monmouth home series, the closest game of the three at 3-1, staff ace Lincoln (2-1) took the rubber. For the game, he pitched seven strong innings allowing one earned run, five hits and two walks, while compiling a season-high 11 strikeouts. He lowered his ERA to 2.22. 

During the blowout that was Game 2, Cougar pitching and hitting came together for an easy 9-1 victory. Senior Matt Farrington (1-2) got his first win of the year by going five innings, giving up four hits, one run and two walks with three strikeouts. Junior Shea Hancock came in the game in the sixth, giving up a hit and striking out the side. 

Lincoln led all batters with three RBIs.

In the final game to complete the sweep, the Cougars notched a 6-0 shutout. Freshman Luis Flores (1-1) made his first start of the year and lasted five innings to pick up the win. He dominated on the mound, whiffing nine Monmouth batters while allowing only two hits and two walks.

Junior shortstop Dustin Kingsbury lead the way offensively, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs.

Lamar enters the game after winning two of three games over the weekend in the Cardinal Classic against Michigan State and Arkansas State. 

Freshman Ryan Needham (0-1) gets the start for the Cardinals. In his four innings of work, he has compiled five strikeouts and an 18.00 ERA.

Leading the way and hitting for the Cardinals are senior catcher C.J. Ebarb, sophomore infielder Collin Delome and senior infielder William Henderson with three home runs apiece. Junior infielder Ryan Baker leads the team with a .480 average and 12 RBIs. 
 

Send comments to dcsports@mail.uh.edu