Highlights
No team clinched a conference weekend series on Friday, as four rubber matches are set for tomorrow afternoon. UConn won its third nonconference game of the week, while No. 30 Houston and Cinncinnati, as well as No. 25 UCF and Memphis each split doubleheaders. USF’s bats came alive on the way to evening its series with Tulane, while No. 16 ECU held off No. 18 Wichita State to tie the series at 1-1.
- After the opening game of the series got rained out on Thursday, Houston and Memphis split a doubleheader today. Houston starter Trey Cumbie threw eight innings, scattering two runs and four hits, while fannng 10 batters to guide the Cougars to a 4-2 Game 1 win. It marked his fourth 10+ strikeout-game of the year. First baseman Lael Lockhart Jr. went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Cincinnati took Game 2 with a 2-1 win, after holding the Cougars to five hits. The Bearcats gave up a run in the fourth inning before their pitching staff threw five shutout frames. First baseman Eric Santiago drove in the game-winning run in the seventh inning with a single to center field. He went 2-for-4 in Game 2. The rubber game is set for Noon ET tomorrow.
- UCF and Memphis also cancelled yesterday’s series opener, and played a doubleheader today, as the two teams split the action. The Knghts took Game 1, 7-1, behind a strong pitching performance by lefty Joe Sheridan and right hander Thad Ward. Sheridan worked the opening 5.1 innings, fanning six batters, while Ward pitched the final 3.2 innings to earn the win, striking out the side in the ninth inning. The Tigers then snapped a five-game skid and shutout the Knights, 9-0, in Game 2 behind a strong pitching performance. Starter Riley Cabral threw six scoreless frames, recording nine strikeouts and allowed four hits. Memphis gave up just one more hit for the remainder of the game. Designated hitter Nick Vaage and outfielder Colton Neel each had three RBIs for the Tigers. The rubber match is set for 2 p.m. ET tomorrow.
- USF evened its series after an explosive second inning in which the Bulls plated eight runs en route to a 14-3 win over Tulane. Six Bulls in the lineup had a multi-hit game, led by first baseman Joe Genord, who went 2-for-4 with five RBIs, two home runs, and two runs scored. Outfielder Kyle Phillips had four hits, two RBIs and a home run. USF led 18-7 in hits. Starter Peter Strzelecki tossed six shutout innings, scattering four hits, while recording eight strikeouts. Game 3 is set for 1 p.m. ET tomorrow.
- ECU used back-to-back two-run spurts in the seventh and eighth innings to tie its weekend series against Wichita State with a 7-3 win. The rubber game will be played at 1 p.m. ET tomorrow. Second baseman Brady Lloyd batted .500 (2-for-4) and brought home three runs, including his first career homer. ECU starter Chris Holba allowed one earned run through six innings and registered six strikeouts. Designated hitter Paxton Wallace led the Shockers with three hits.
- UConn earned its third nonconference win of the week and second at home, defeating Central Connecticut 6-1 for the second time this season. Starter Mason Feole recorded 13 strikeouts through seven shutout innings, scattering three hits. Second baseman Michael Woodworth went 3-for-3 with one RBI. UConn heads to Hartford for its final game of the week tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE / RESULTS
Tuesday, March 27
UConn 4, Boston College 0
Stetson 5, USF 3
Southeastern Louisiana 9, Tulane 3
No. 18 Wichita State 9, Central Arkansas 6
No. 5 Arkansas 9, Memphis 8
Rice 4, No. 30 Houston 3
Thursday, March 29
UConn 9, Hartford 1
No. 30 Houston at Cincinnati - Postponed
No. 18 Wichita State 14, No. 16 ECU 3
Tulane 3, USF 2
No. 25 UCF at Memphis - Postponed
Friday, March 30
UConn 6, Central Connecticut 1
No. 30 Houston 4, Cincinnati 2
No. 25 UCF 7, Memphis 1
USF 14, Tulane 3
No. 16 ECU 7, No. 18 Wichita State 3
Cincinnati 2, Houston 1
Memphis 9, UCF 0
Saturday, March 31
Houston at Cincinnati * - 12 p.m.
Wichita State at ECU * - 1 p.m.
Tulane at USF * - 1 p.m.
UCF at Memphis * - 2 p.m.
UConn at Hartford - 3:30 p.m.
All times ET & subject to change
* conference game