Kats host Houston, Texas Southern this week
5/2/2016 9:24:00 PM | Baseball
HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston State baseball program, fresh off an unprecedented weekend away from the game, turns the page on another week entering Tuesday. However, the opponents on the schedule serve as déjà vu.
After taking on Houston and Texas Southern last midweek, the Bearkats replicate a similar schedule, this time, welcoming the Cougars to Don Sanders Stadium on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and the Tigers at the same time on Wednesday.
“That's a first in my career,” second-year head coach Matt Deggs said. “I've never had a situation where you have four days off in the middle of the season. We thought, 'let's take a break.' I think it was good for everybody – players and coaches. They have finals this week, so it was a chance for them to get caught up and get rested up.”
Sam Houston (27-17) has won 21 of its last 26 games, but fell 4-3 at Houston (24-17) down Interstate 45 one week ago. The Bearkats put two runners aboard in the ninth, one which eventually scored, but was not successful in overcoming the Cougars' three-run second inning.
“I learned they are really good but we knew that going in,” Deggs said. “They can really pitch and they've got some really good position players. They come in and compete and are a tough opponent. You can't give them anything. We had a couple mistakes that led to our demise there.”
This go-around, however, Sam Houston sends Sunday right-handed starter Riley Gossett (4-0, 3.19 ERA) to the mound. The start will be the first for the freshman since April 24 against Abilene Christian. In that game, Gossett permitted just one run in 8 2-3 innings.
“The time off is good for a freshman like Riley who has had a lot of innings and starts,” Deggs said. “He has great composure and great mound presence. He never gets in a hurry and never gets out of whack. Hopefully he's not too strong. We just want him to go out and pitch his game.”
Sam Houston is 17-6 this season at the friendly confines of Don Sanders Stadium. Likewise, Gossett has been equally as impressive at the venue, limiting hitters to a .266 average at The Don. Backed by some rest and the home-field advantage, the freshman feels confident going in.
“We've been playing constantly for almost 50 games,” Gossett said. “It gives us a chance to come back out on our feet and be ready for the next couple weeks. It's a home atmosphere. The fans support us no matter what. We practice on this field every day. There is nothing like it.”
Offensively, the Bearkats look to bounce back against one of the nation's top pitching staffs. The Cougars limited Sam Houston to seven hits in the first meeting. Despite the slump – at least by its standards – Sam Houston is the Southland Conference leader for batting average in league games (.313) while ranking second in triples (9) and third in stolen bases (34).
On Wednesday, Sam Houston turns its attention to a Texas Southern (18-22), one week after downing the Tigers 14-0 and 10-3 in doubleheader play. The Kats hit .403 (31 for 77) against the Tigers while the pitching staff posted a 1.00 ERA, holding Texas Southern hitters to a .222 batting average.
Sam Houston hit a combined five home runs, including Zach Smith who went deep twice. Freshman Clayton Harp finished the two-game set 5 for 8 (.625) with three doubles, four runs scored and five RBIs.
“It doesn't matter the name across their chest, we're playing against ourselves to see how good of baseball we can play,” Deggs said. “We understand that every win is crucial this time of year. It doesn't matter our opponent, we've got to be great at what we control.”
Tickets are available for both games by visiting GoBearkats.com or by calling (936) 294-1729. General admission seating starts at just $4 while reserved seating is priced at $6. Tuesday's matchup will also be 50-cent hot dog night at The Don.
“We have a great fan base,” Deggs said. “We play in front of 1,000 people every night and that fills this place us. They energize us and it's an adrenaline boost when the fans get into the game. Any time we're at home, we've got to take advantage of that.”
