Cougars Post High Marks in Turnaround Season
6/8/2022 5:40:00 PM | Baseball
Houston reaches American Championship game as part of 2022 highlights
HOUSTON – The University of Houston posted an 18-game turnaround in the win column, matching the best year-to-year improvement in program history as part of its run to the American Baseball Championship during the 2022 season.
Houston, which finished third in the league standings, led The American in hits and finished second in batting average one season after ranking seventh in both categories. The Cougars finished second in saves and set a program record with a .984 fielding percentage.
"We have a high bar for success and are proud of what our student-athletes, coaches and staff accomplished to move Houston Baseball in the right direction this season," Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "We're excited about the future and are focused on competing for championships as we head into 2023."
The Cougars' run to The American Championship title game, the program's fifth in eight seasons, saws the club set a league record with 61 hits while establishing a program record with nine home runs. Four players were named to the all-tournament team.
With fans back in full force at Sanders Field at Schroeder Park for the first time since the beginning of the 2020 season, the Cougars did not disappoint, winning seven of eight home three-game series while racking up their most home victories (22) since 2018.
"As I mentioned in a few press conferences, this (2022 squad) was one of my favorite teams I have coached," Head Coach Todd Whitting said. "The grit, resiliency, and never quit attitude they displayed was a testament to the leadership we had on the team and in the clubhouse. I am excited about the trajectory of the program and look forward to winning our sixth American Athletic Conference Championship in 2023."
The 2022 season also featured the return of the Silver Glove Series against Rice and Don Sanders Cup against Sam Houston. The Cougars took 2 of 3 against the Owls, bringing the Silver Glove back to Cullen Blvd. for the first time since 2018. With a sweep against Sam Houston, the Cougars captured both trophy series for the first time in the same season.
Individually, redshirt sophomore Anthony Tulimero was named a semifinalist for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year while redshirt junior Ian McMillan was recognized as a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, honoring the nation's top shortstop.
Tulimero led The American with 23 runners caught stealing and junior closer Ben Sears topped the conference with 12 saves. The duo was among five all-conference honorees, being joined by senior Ryan Hernandez, McMillan and junior Brandon Uhse.
Houston closed its season with a 37-24 record, surpassing the 35-plus win mark for the seventh time in 10 seasons. The Cougars will open the 2023 season in mid-February with schedule and ticket information forthcoming.
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.
Houston, which finished third in the league standings, led The American in hits and finished second in batting average one season after ranking seventh in both categories. The Cougars finished second in saves and set a program record with a .984 fielding percentage.
"We have a high bar for success and are proud of what our student-athletes, coaches and staff accomplished to move Houston Baseball in the right direction this season," Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "We're excited about the future and are focused on competing for championships as we head into 2023."
The Cougars' run to The American Championship title game, the program's fifth in eight seasons, saws the club set a league record with 61 hits while establishing a program record with nine home runs. Four players were named to the all-tournament team.
With fans back in full force at Sanders Field at Schroeder Park for the first time since the beginning of the 2020 season, the Cougars did not disappoint, winning seven of eight home three-game series while racking up their most home victories (22) since 2018.
"As I mentioned in a few press conferences, this (2022 squad) was one of my favorite teams I have coached," Head Coach Todd Whitting said. "The grit, resiliency, and never quit attitude they displayed was a testament to the leadership we had on the team and in the clubhouse. I am excited about the trajectory of the program and look forward to winning our sixth American Athletic Conference Championship in 2023."
The 2022 season also featured the return of the Silver Glove Series against Rice and Don Sanders Cup against Sam Houston. The Cougars took 2 of 3 against the Owls, bringing the Silver Glove back to Cullen Blvd. for the first time since 2018. With a sweep against Sam Houston, the Cougars captured both trophy series for the first time in the same season.
Individually, redshirt sophomore Anthony Tulimero was named a semifinalist for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year while redshirt junior Ian McMillan was recognized as a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, honoring the nation's top shortstop.
Tulimero led The American with 23 runners caught stealing and junior closer Ben Sears topped the conference with 12 saves. The duo was among five all-conference honorees, being joined by senior Ryan Hernandez, McMillan and junior Brandon Uhse.
Houston closed its season with a 37-24 record, surpassing the 35-plus win mark for the seventh time in 10 seasons. The Cougars will open the 2023 season in mid-February with schedule and ticket information forthcoming.
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.