Houston and UConn came away with nonconference wins against in-state rivals Tuesday as the Cougars edged Texas and the Huskies held off Fairfield.
Houston was a 3-2 winner against Texas in a neutral-site matchup in Sugar Land, Texas, as the Cougars made efficient use of nine singles to improve to 20-12 on the year. Outfielder Zac Taylor went 2-for-4 and scored two runs, while designated hitter Michael Pyeatt was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Relief pitcher Trey Cumbie allowed one run in 3.1 innings to get the win, while Nick Hernandez delivered his sixth save of the season.
UConn also scored a one-run win as the Huskies beat Fairfield, 3-2, at J.O. Christian Field. First-baseman Bobby Melley and outfielder Joe Deroche-Duffin combined for four of the Huskies' six hits, while Ronnie Rossomando worked seven solid innings to pick up his first win of the season.
Tulane played its fourth straight game against a ranked opponent as the Green Wave fell on the road to No. 22 Louisiana, 9-2. Third-baseman Hunter Hope went 2-for-3 and hit his league-leading ninth home run of the season for Tulane.
USF dropped a 7-5 decision to North Florida in Tampa, despite a 3-for-4, three-RBI showing from first-baseman Joe Genord.
Cincinnati fell 6-1 to Wright State in the Bearcats' first game at the Joe Nuxhall Classic in Oxford, Ohio. The Bearcats were limited to one hit against the Raiders.
Memphis held a 7-2 lead after seven innings against Austin Peay, but the Governors rallied for two runs in the eighth, three in the ninth and two in the 10th to hand the Tigers a 9-7 setback at FedEx Park. Infielder Brandon Grudzielanek went 2-for-4 with three RBIs for the Tigers.
Wednesday's ledger lists four games, including matchups against the top two teams in the nation. UCF visits No. 1 Miami (Fla.) at 6 p.m. in a game that will be televised on ESPN3, while Memphis is at No. 2 Mississippi State on SEC Network + (7:30 p.m. ET). UConn hosts Bryant, while Cincinnati faces Xavier at 3 p.m. ET in the Joe Nuxhall Classic.