HUNTSVILLE – There is little doubt where the Sam Houston State baseball program wants to be regarded nationally. With their 22nd win in the last 27 outings on Tuesday night, the new-look Bearkats showcased that the future success has already arrived.
Sam Houston downed Houston 4-0 in front of 1,212 spectators at Don Sanders Stadium, using a four-run sixth to open up things for freshman pitcher Riley Gossett, who continued to impress after a nine-day break since his last start.
“I am real proud of the way we grinded,” second-year head coach Matt Deggs said. “We made adjustments and we played like a top-25 team tonight. That's where I think this team is capable of being.”
Led by Gossett, who improved to 5-0, Sam Houston (28-17) pitching limited the Cougars (24-18) to just six hits, the lowest total in a non-conference game since permitting the same number at Wichita State on March 5.
“I think we've all come together,” Gossett said. “It's a good feeling in the dugout. I was itching to pitch. I wanted to start a midweek game last week. I was really excited when coach told me on Sunday. It's nice to pitch against big schools; it's a good test to see where I'm at.”
The right-hander tossed six scoreless frames, leading Sam Houston to its second shutout in three games, scattering five hits while striking out one and walking another. In relief, Miles Manning allowed just one hit and a walk before Greg Belton fanned one without allowing a Houston runner to reach in the ninth.
“We were going to approach this like a conference game because we were afforded to without a conference game last weekend,” Deggs said. “Once Riley was able to get us off to a great start, we wanted to go to Miles (Manning). Miles had a great fastball going and Greg (Belton) was as sharp as I've seen him.”
After exchanging zeroes for the first five frames, the Bearkats broke it open in the sixth, backed by five hits, including three straight to open the frame courtesy of Riley McKnight, Andrew Fregia and Bryce Johnson. A Zach Smith double-play ball scored the first but the barrage continued.
Lance Miles took a first pitch single through the left side to make it 2-0, plating Fregia and chasing Houston starter Trey Cumbie (2-2) from the game. The freshman, who entered the game with a 1.61 ERA, was saddled with the loss, allowing six hits and three runs (two earned).
“One thing led to another,” Miles said. “That's one thing we try to do is score first. I knew I had to do whatever I could to get another run. I got a first pitch up in the zone and put a good swing on it. Guys kept making the most of it and piling on with two outs.”
Hunter Hearn drove a hard-hit single to the first baseman, moving Miles to third. After Mac Odom came on to pitch run for Hearn, the freshman swiped second, one of three stolen bases on the day for the Kats before consecutive Cougars' errors added two more.
“I think they were tired of getting beat up, honestly,” Deggs said. “Cumbie lived on their hands and we got in there and attacked early. We got the bat head out. Our whole thing is predicated around base runners. We got the first two guys on and after that, it's on.”
Sam Houston played error-free baseball for the 15th time this season, highlighted by some strong plays from Taylor Beene at shortstop and two runners thrown out from catcher Robie Rojas, who continued his assault on the base path.
“Pitching and defense was the name of the game,” Deggs said. “That was a Friday night tilt. Gossett gave us six shutout innings against a really talented Houston ballclub. We came out and played a really good ballgame here tonight. We defended extremely well.”
With Fregia hitting leadoff for the third straight game, the freshman finished 2 for 4 and scored a run. Johnson followed in the No. 2 spot as the Kats believe they have found a formula that is starting to replicate days of old for Deggs.
“That's what I am accustomed to,” Deggs said. “That's what we've generally built our ballclubs around. I like to call it thunder and lightning. Andrew brings thunder to the lineup and then we've got the lightning right behind him in Bryce. That's an exciting way to start the ballgame.”
The Bearkats will close out the brief two-game homestand on Wednesday, welcoming Texas Southern to Don Sanders Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. A week ago, the Kats swept a doubleheader against the Tigers, outscoring their opponent 24-3.
