Houston downs Memphis; 6-3 on two-run homer by Ashford Fulmer

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 29, 2014) The Houston Cougars scored three runs in the third inning to tie the game and three more late in the game to down the Memphis Tigers by the score of 6-3 in the second game of their three-game series at Cougar Field on Saturday, March 29, 2014.

The Cougars started off slow, with starting pitcher Jake Lemoine giving up two runs on three hits in the first inning to give the Tigers the early lead.

Memphis scores an addition run in the third to take a three-run lead.

The Cougars came storming back the third bottom of the third, scoring three runs when right fielder Kyle Survance singles to left field; scoring second baseman Josh Vidales from second.

First baseman Casey Grayson next reached base on a throwing error by Memphis third baseman Zach Schritenthal to score short stop Frankie Ratcliff and Survance.

Both runs were unearned.

In the seventh inning, Vidales’ sacrifice fly to center field allowed designated hitter Justin Montemayor to score the Cougars’ fourth run.

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

Houston increased their lead to three runs when center fielder Ashford Fulmer hit a monster shot over the left field fence for a two run homer; sending third baseman Jordan Stading home from first.

The home run was the second of the season for Fulmer.

Houston head coach Todd Whitting talked with the press after the game and had praised for his players:

"Gutsy performance by (Jake) Lemoine tonight. He got squared up a little bit, but he competed like crazy. He did a good job of keeping us in the game. We played horrendous defense behind him early in the game, but we played good defense late. Tyler Ford was money out of the bullpen. He came in, and was pounding the zone with his fastball. We had timely hits tonight, I told the team we had to put those first three innings behind us, because we can't control that. We just had to be better than them for the next six innings."

Tyler Ford, pitching 3.1 inning in relief got the win; the fourth of the year.

Lemoine saw 5-2 innings of action, giving up seven hits while facing 25 batters.

Memphis starting pitcher Jon Reed received the loss.

With the win, Houston raises its season record to 21-5 and 1-1 in conference play.