BYU baseball defeated Houston 6-1 on April 11 at Schroeder Park, securing its first sweep in a Big 12 three-game series. Right fielder Bryker Hurdsman led the Cougars’ offense with two hits and three runs batted in, while reliever Nate Gray earned his conference-leading sixth win of the season.
The Cougars improved their record to 18-16 overall and 8-7 in conference play by scoring six runs on nine hits and leaving only three runners on base. Houston managed one run on eight hits but stranded eight runners during the game.
“It was a great weekend for our baseball team,” said BYU head baseball coach Trent Pratt. “Our pitchers did a great job of throwing strikes and making Hoston hit. Our defense was also great today, like they were in the first two games. We also got several big hits in key moments from the offense, like Hurdsman’s two-out single in the sixth that broke the game open for us. We just played great team baseball.”
The game’s highlights included Hurdsman’s three RBI performance, Luke Anderson’s home run and two runs scored, Ryder Robinson’s double among his two hits, Easton Jones’ RBI double, and strong pitching from Cayson Bell and Nate Gray. BYU took an early lead with a run in the second inning before Houston tied it up with a solo home run by Jackson LaLima. The Cougars regained control in the sixth inning when Hurdsman delivered a crucial single to score two runs.
BYU added insurance runs with solo home runs from Anderson in the seventh inning and Keoni Painter in the ninth. Pitchers Dan Brousseau and Tyler Ball combined to keep Houston hitless over the final two innings as BYU’s defense turned four double plays throughout the game.
Looking ahead, BYU will travel east within Texas to face Lamar University on Monday, April 13 at Vincent-Beck Stadium. The upcoming game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ as well as multiple radio outlets.
