The Cougars and the Bearcats played in some cold conditions after a light snow was falling as Houston arrived at the ballpark on Saturday, but Cincinnati’s offense was anything but cold as they rolled to a 13-3 run-rule victory in seven innings.
Trailing 1-0 in the top of the third, Zach Arnold and Alex Lopez both hit one-out singles . . . Anthony Tulimero then hit a ball back to the pitcher who fielded and tried to catch Arnold at third base, but the throw was wide and down the line and Lopez scored all the way from first base for a 2-1 Houston lead.
Cincinnati got the lead back almost immediately with a four-run bottom of the third inning and they added four more in the bottom of the fourth on a grand slam, both innings began with walked batters reaching base before any outs were recorded . . . The Bearcats led 10-2 going to the fifth inning.
Houston got a run back in the seventh on a RBI single by Brandon Burckel that scored Cameron Nickens from second base after he doubled with one out.
Cincinnati answered right back with three runs in the bottom of the seventh and with their 13-3 lead, the game ended there via the run rule.
The Cougars offense only collected six hits in the seven inning contest, no player had multiple hits . . . The loss snapped Houston’s four game win streak which began a week ago to the day.
Tulimero was ejected after a play at first was overturned on review in the sixth inning . . . Tulimero’s ejection also means he will not be able to play in Sunday’s series finale . . . Tulimero also threw out a runner at second base attempting to steal, he continues to lead the American Athletic Conference in runners caught.
The Cougars and the Bearcats conclude the weekend series on Sunday with both teams going for the series win . . . Derrick Cherry will be on the mound for Houston, first pitch scheduled for 11am Central Time.
Houston Cougars Baseball Beat 