TicketsCINCINNATI -- Sophomore pitcher Max Bergmann dominated on Friday, striking out eight Houston hitters over 5.1 innings of work, but it was not enough as the Cincinnati Bearcats lost to the Cougars, 5-4.
In addition to his eight strikeouts, Bergmann went 5.1 shutout innings while giving up one hit and walking none for Cincinnati (11-17, 1-3).
Redshirt freshman infielder Kerrington Cross led the way offensively for the Bearcats, going 2-for-4 in the ballgame with a double and a triple. Redshirt sophomore infielder Max Palmieri provided a noteworthy day at the plate as well, going 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI. Redshirt sophomore infielder Ryan Nicholson also chipped in, going 1-for-4 for Cincinnati with a double and two RBIs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 4-0, the Bearcats scored twice on a two-run double off the bat of Nicholson, driving in redshirt sophomore catcher Joe Powell and redshirt junior outfielder Paul Komistek.
The Bearcats deficit grew to 5-2 before their offense got back on the scoreboard, cutting into that deficit in the fourth inning. Cincinnati picked up a run on Palmieri's two-out solo home run off of junior Jaycob Deese, which brought the score to 5-3 in favor of the Cougars.
Cincinnati kept the Cougars off the scoreboard before narrowing the gap to 5-4 in the fifth. The Bearcats were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.
GAME NOTES
» Bergmann came out of the bullpen and had a terrific day, throwing 5.1 shutout innings and striking out eight while giving up only one run in his best outing of the season.
» Cross led the Bearcats at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double and a triple. The triple was his third of the season, giving him the team-lead.
» Nicholson drove in his 21st and 22nd RBIs on a two-run double in the second inning. The Bearcats' first baseman is now second on the team in that category.
» Palmieri drove his first career home run out to right field in the fifth inning. He now has hits in five of his last six games and has an .854 OPS.
» Redshirt senior Wyatt Stapp had himself his seventh multiple-hit performance of the year, the sixth most on the team.
TICKET INFORMATION
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