Sunday, May 15
Houston, Texas
Noon
University of Houston
1
vs
3
UCF
Knights Spoil Senior Day
5/15/2022 2:56:00 PM | Baseball
Houston drops first home series, stumbles 3-1 against UCF
HOUSTON – The University of Houston bullpen was sharp, but offense came at a premium as the Cougars dropped the series and three-game finale with a 3-1 loss to UCF on Sunday afternoon from Sanders Field at Schroeder Park.
The series loss was the first at home for Houston (34-18, 13-8 American), which had won all seven three-game sets at Schroeder Park. It was also the second series loss in American Athletic Conference play (April 8-10 at Cincinnati).
With the result, UCF (30-21, 13-8 American) moves into a tie for second in The American standings with the Cougars. With three league games remaining, the Knights hold the tiebreaker (head-to-head results). UCF hosts Cincinnati in three games beginning Thursday.
Houston junior reliever Jose Torrealba was lights out in relief, striking out six of his nine batters faced while allowing just one hit in 2.2 innings. The six strikeouts doubled up his previous career high. Torrealba threw 29 of his 41 pitches for strikes.
Senior Ryan Hernandez extended his on-base streak to 11 games with a leadoff double in the fourth inning. The first baseman was one of three seniors honored prior to the contest. Graduate designated hitter Santiago Garcia added a hit and reached base twice.
Offensively, the Cougars mustered just six hits, their fewest in league play since collecting as many on April 9 at Cincinnati. Houston batted .100 (1 for 10) with runners in scoring position and did not collect a hit with two outs (0 for 8).
Houston junior starter Nathan Medrano (6-4) allowed three runs on six hits in 4.2 innings. The right-hander was saddled with the loss, striking out five batters alongside three walks. UCF sophomore starter Cameron Crain allowed five hits but held the Cougars to one run in 3.2 innings.
UCF redshirt senior reliever Daniel Litchfield (3-2) earned the win, holding Houston to one baserunner in 4.1 innings. The right-hander tossed 4.1 scoreless innings, permitting one hit. Sophomore right-hander Kye Kramer locked up his sixth save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
UP NEXT
Houston closes its home slate and non-conference schedule with the Silver Glove Series finale at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. As part of 2-Dollar Tuesday, fans can take advantage of $2 tickets at the box office an $2 Frito pies at the concession stand.
TICKETS ON SALE
Houston Baseball tickets from Sanders Field at Schroeder Park are on sale for Tuesday's 6:30 p.m. Silver Glove Series finale against Rice. To purchase seats, click here.
JOIN THE DUGOUT CLUB
Fans are invited to join The Dugout Club to directly support Houston Baseball. Members provide financial support directly to Houston Baseball for needs beyond operating budget. For more information about the Dugout Club, text UHBASEBALL to 71777, call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following UHCougarBB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Baseball. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarbb.
The series loss was the first at home for Houston (34-18, 13-8 American), which had won all seven three-game sets at Schroeder Park. It was also the second series loss in American Athletic Conference play (April 8-10 at Cincinnati).
With the result, UCF (30-21, 13-8 American) moves into a tie for second in The American standings with the Cougars. With three league games remaining, the Knights hold the tiebreaker (head-to-head results). UCF hosts Cincinnati in three games beginning Thursday.
Houston junior reliever Jose Torrealba was lights out in relief, striking out six of his nine batters faced while allowing just one hit in 2.2 innings. The six strikeouts doubled up his previous career high. Torrealba threw 29 of his 41 pitches for strikes.
Senior Ryan Hernandez extended his on-base streak to 11 games with a leadoff double in the fourth inning. The first baseman was one of three seniors honored prior to the contest. Graduate designated hitter Santiago Garcia added a hit and reached base twice.
Offensively, the Cougars mustered just six hits, their fewest in league play since collecting as many on April 9 at Cincinnati. Houston batted .100 (1 for 10) with runners in scoring position and did not collect a hit with two outs (0 for 8).
Houston junior starter Nathan Medrano (6-4) allowed three runs on six hits in 4.2 innings. The right-hander was saddled with the loss, striking out five batters alongside three walks. UCF sophomore starter Cameron Crain allowed five hits but held the Cougars to one run in 3.2 innings.
UCF redshirt senior reliever Daniel Litchfield (3-2) earned the win, holding Houston to one baserunner in 4.1 innings. The right-hander tossed 4.1 scoreless innings, permitting one hit. Sophomore right-hander Kye Kramer locked up his sixth save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
UP NEXT
Houston closes its home slate and non-conference schedule with the Silver Glove Series finale at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. As part of 2-Dollar Tuesday, fans can take advantage of $2 tickets at the box office an $2 Frito pies at the concession stand.
TICKETS ON SALE
Houston Baseball tickets from Sanders Field at Schroeder Park are on sale for Tuesday's 6:30 p.m. Silver Glove Series finale against Rice. To purchase seats, click here.
JOIN THE DUGOUT CLUB
Fans are invited to join The Dugout Club to directly support Houston Baseball. Members provide financial support directly to Houston Baseball for needs beyond operating budget. For more information about the Dugout Club, text UHBASEBALL to 71777, call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following UHCougarBB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Baseball. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarbb.