By Steve Parkhurst

Houston was edged out by BYU 3-2 Thursday night at Schroeder Park to open the Big 12 weekend series between the two sets of Cougars.

Houston managed only three hits in the ballgame, two of them went for home runs, while the pitching was pretty solid once again.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the third inning, Xavier Perez tied the game with a two-out solo home run over the left field wall.

BYU responded immediately, scoring twice in the top of the fourth inning to take a 3-1 lead.

Once again, Connor Udland made the Friday night start for Houston . . . Udland departed after two innings having allowed one run, he had seen the BYU order one time through.

Caden Cooper followed Udland on the mound and he allowed two runs in what was an otherwise fine outing.

Harrison Boushele dazzled for another 2 2/3 scoreless innings when he needed to keep the score where it was.

Cade Climie hit a high, arching shot over the left field wall, for a solo home run with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning.

On most nights in Big 12 play, allowing only three runs to the opposition is enough to get the job done, but that was not the case on Thursday night.

Houston and BYU will continue their weekend series on Friday, with game two at Schroeder Park set to get underway at 6:35pm . . . Kendall Hoffman will be on the mound for Houston as they look to even the series.

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