A first-inning grand slam saw the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff baseball team build a big lead on the road, but the Golden Lions couldn’t hold it Friday night.
The University of Houston came from behind to defeat UAPB 13-9 in the opening game of a three-game series at Schroeder Park in Houston.
UAPB (5-10) second baseman Aaron Grant hit a grand slam as part of a five-run top of the fifth inning. Shortstop Zach Wieder, who opened the scoring with an RBI double in the first, added a two-RBI single in the second to give the Golden Lions a 7-0 lead on the road against a Big 12 opponent. Grant and Wieder finished with four RBI apiece to lead UAPB’s offense.
Houston (8-5) fought back, eventually scoring seven runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. First baseman Riley Jackson tied the game with a two-out RBI single before infielder Jackson LaLima gave the Cougars their first lead with an RBI double. Shortstop Tyler Cox followed with a two-RBI single to extend the Houston advantage to 12-9.
Jackson led Houston with three RBI and three runs after hitting 4 for 5. Cox hit 3 for 3 as Houston outhit UAPB 14-12.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Cougar bullpen shut down UAPB’s offense after the Golden Lions put 7 runs past Houston starter Paul Schmitz. UAPB chased Schmitz after scoring more runs against him in 1 1/3 innings than he had allowed in his first three starts of the season combined.
Initial reliever Chris Scinta gave up two runs in the fourth inning, but three other pitchers held UAPB scoreless across the final five frames. Jackson Baker (2-0) allowed one hit in two innings before Ryne Rodriguez earned his first save of the season with three scoreless innings.
UAPB starter Jalen Porter allowed five runs in five innings on eight hits. Once Houston got past Porter, the Cougars bombarded Reagan James (2-1) to the tune of seven runs on five hits in 2/3 of an inning.
Jack Hasten held Houston without a hit or a run for 1 2/3 innings before exiting the game in the eighth after taking a line drive off the wrist. Emerson Lott and Wieder combined to record the final two outs.
This was the Golden Lions’ third game of the season against a Power Four conference opponent. UAPB scored first in all three games.
UAPB and Houston will conclude their series with a doubleheader beginning at noon Saturday.