Feb. 26, 2008

Final Stats

Houston, Tx. - The Texas State Bobcats were held to just two hits and a hard-hitting Houston Cougar squad countered with eight, nearly deciding the game in the early innings. UH handed the Bobcats their first loss of the season in an 8-1 decision at Cougar Field Tuesday night.

Both the Bobcats and Cougars are now 3-1 in their non-conference slate.

"As the game progressed," said head coach Ty Harrington, "we didn't counter offensively like we needed to overcome the four spot." "Our relievers worked very hard, throwing strikes at the end to help out. Once we find our mix of starters, relievers and closers I have no doubt this team will prosper."

In the bottom of the first inning, Blake Kelso singled to right center and moved into scoring position after back-to-back baulks from Zack Boles. On a Cougar fly ball to left field, Kelso tagged and put the first mark on the board for Houston.

On a tough bout from the mound, Texas State conceded to a 6-0 deficit, highlighted by a Cougar-driven four-run second frame. With the bases loaded, Jake Stewart punched a grand slam over the right field fence to give Houston the cushion.

Chase Dempsay managed to shut down seven-straight Bobcats before Texas State recorded its first hit. In the top of the fourth, Adam Witek singled up the middle and advanced to second base on a failed pick off attempt. Thomas Field followed his lead with a walk and Laurn Randell batted into a fielder's choice, retiring Field to put runners on each corner. Paul Goldschmidt hit a long fly out to right field, giving the leadoff time to tag and cross the plate for the `Cats first tally.

Houston tacked on two more runs, splitting it between the fourth and eighth respectively, for the win.

Dempsay recorded the win for UH, pitching 6.0 solid innings, allowing just two hits and one unearned run.

Zach Boles took the loss for the Bobcats, pitching 3.0 innings, allowing three hits and six runs, two of which were unearned. Relief hurler Kane Holbrooks went for two innings allowing four hits and an earned run. Entering for a solo frame in the sixth, Kyle Gembler recorded a single strike out.

Witek, Thomas Field and Elliott Babcock recorded the lone hits for the Bobcats.

Texas State's next appearance on the field will be this Friday, as the `Cats open their home slate. The Bobcats will play a three-game series with New Mexico starting at 6:00 p.m.