Ragin? Cajun News

3/9/2002 12:00:00 AM | Baseball

HOUSTON TAKES SECOND STRAIGHT OVER CAJUNS March 9, 2002

LAFAYETTE – For the second straight day, visiting Houston jumped out early and got stellar starting pitching, as the 16th-ranked Cougars (11-4) took a 7-3 win over Louisiana-Lafayette Saturday afternoon at "Tigue" Moore Field.

UH leadoff hitter Michael Bourn hit a two-run home run, and Keith Whatley struck out seven as the Cougars won their sixth straight. Bourn was part of a 12-hit attack for the Cougars, who had three players record at least two hits.

Whatley, meanwhile, had the Cajuns' number early on. The left-hander did not allow a hit until the fifth inning and gave up just three hits in six frames. Cajun catcher Mike Kabel provided the only offense with a three-run home run in the sixth. UH closer Nathan Mitchell had his second straight solid relief appearance, working the final 2 1/3 innings for his third save.

The Cougars scored two runs in the first, which was keyed by a Cajun error. After Bourn walked, a wide throw by Cajun shortstop Chase Lambin put runners on first and second with no outs. A ground out, a sacrifice fly and an infield single by Stuart Musslewhite gave UH the early lead.

Whatley then used a strong curve ball to hold the Cajuns at bay. The only jam he got into occurred in the fourth, as his own error and two hit batters led to a bases loaded situation. But he calmly struck out Kabel to escape damage.

The Cougars scored three in the sixth to make it a 6-0 thanks to back-to-back home runs by Bourn and Jesse Crain. After Kabel made it 6-3, UH got another run keyed by two throwing errors by Kabel.

The two teams will wrap up the three-game series with a 1 p.m. Sunday meeting. The game will be televised by Jumbo Sports Network.

--LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE--