HOUSTON -- The Houston COugars tagged Sam Houston State for eight runs and then held off the Kats for a 9-6 victory Wednesday night in Houston.

Sam Houston State starter WIll Skelton (2-2) look the loss allowing all nine Cougar runs on seven hits. The Bearkats were also hurt by five mistakes in the field, leaving just six of the runs credited to Skelton earned.

Trailing by nine, the Kats tried to put together a rally. They scored a three runs in the third inning. Todd Sebek got the scoring started with a double to plate Jamie Rohlmeier. Ryan Weber then scored on a balk. Ryan Trevino finished it off for the Kats, driving in Sebek.

They scored another run in the fourth on a single by Rohlmeier to score Bobby Verbick. The Kats cut the COugar lead to three in the fifth inning with Sebek scored on a balk and Keith Stein crossed the plate on a wild pitch.

Over the final four innings, the Bearkat batters were held hitless.

The Sam Houston State bullpen was strong in relief of Skelton. Brent Powers, Zac Baker and Guillaume Dugay limited the COugar hitters to just three hits over the final seven innings of the ballgame.

Sebek and Stein each had two hits in the game to lead the SHSU hitters.

The Bearkats will return to Southland Conference action Friday night at home against McNeese State at 6:30 p.m.