Houston Cougars Baseball Split 2 Midweek Games; Down TSU, Lose to McNeese

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

The Houston Cougars (7-5, 0-0 C-USA) split two single games at home in midweek action before heading on the road for a series against the Texas State Bobcats.

On Tuesday night, the Cougars fell to the McNeese State Cowboys (8-6, 0-0 SLC), 10-2.

The Cougars could only manage three hits in the game and committed three errors.

They sent four pitchers to the mound, with starter Datota Dill facing nine batters in a mere 1.2 innings, giving up two runs, both earned, and no hits while walking four.

His relief, Taylor Hammack, was not much better, facing 24 batters and giving up six runs on nine hits in 4.2 innings.

In the second game of the brief homestand, they downed Texas Southern, 13-2.

The Cougars had 17 hits, including six doubles and a triple against the Tigers. The hit total was the team's highest since recording 18 hits on opening day.

John Cannon led the way, going 2-for-2 with a double and two runs scored. M.P. Cokinos added three hits, while Chase Jensen, Jake Runte and Matt Creel each had two.

In his first career start, Jordan Mannisto pitched 3.2 innings. He gave up two unearned runs on five hits with three strikeouts. Luke Moran improved to 1-0, pitching 3.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Chase Wellbrock and Creel each added an inning of relief.

In the three-game series against Texas State, the games will start at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, continue at 2 p.m. Saturday and conclude at 1 p.m. Sunday.