Houston Baseball Remains Undefeated After 4-2 Victory Over Manhattan

PONCE, Puerto Rico – The University of Houston Cougars baseball team extended its winning streak to three games with a 4-2 victory over the Manhattan Jaspers on Sunday morning at Estadio Paquito Montaner. A late rally in the eighth inning proved to be the difference for Houston.

Game Recap

The Cougars (3-0) and Jaspers (0-3) battled in a tight contest. Manhattan struck first with a run in the top of the first inning, but Houston responded in the third. Senior Carter Sintek singled and advanced to second on a balk, then scored on an automatic double by sophomore McClane Helton, tying the game at one. A subsequent single by redshirt sophomore Xavier Perez and a wild pitch allowed Helton to score, giving Houston a 2-1 lead.

Manhattan tied the game in the seventh inning with an RBI single after a leadoff double. However, Houston regained the lead in the eighth. A leadoff walk by junior Tre Broussard started the inning, and a sacrifice bunt advanced him to second. Freshman Peyton Dickens, entering as a pinch runner, stole third and scored on a single by sophomore Jackson LaLima. LaLima then stole second and scored on a pinch-hit triple by senior Cade Climie, extending Houston’s lead to 4-2.

Pitching Performance

Junior Alex Solis earned the win for Houston, pitching 3.0 innings and allowing one run on three hits while striking out four. Senior Ryne Rodriguez pitched one inning without allowing a hit or run, and junior Richie Roman started the game, pitching 5.0 innings, allowing one run on four hits, with one walk and five strikeouts. Redshirt senior Jacob Smoot took the loss for Manhattan, conceding two runs on two hits and three walks in 2.2 innings.

Key Player Highlights

• Cade Climie: 1-1, 3B, RBI
• McClane Helton: 1-3, 2B, RBI, R, BB
• Jackson LaLima: 1-4, RBI, R

Notable Stats

• Senior Cade Climie has hit triples in both of his seasons at Houston.
• Houston has allowed just five runs through its first three games, the fewest allowed in an opening weekend since giving up four in a series against Villanova in 2016.
• Eighteen players saw action for the Cougars on Sunday.
• Richie Roman recorded his sixth career outing with 5 or more strikeouts.

Up Next

Houston will conclude its participation in the Puerto Rico Challenge with a noon CT matchup against Washington on Monday. Washington has started the season with losses to No. 21 Wake Forest and No. 17 NC State.

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