HOUSTON, Texas — The Arizona Wildcats (35-18, 17-12) responded to Thursday night's loss with an emphatic 14-6 win over the Houston Cougars (29-23, 12-16) in game two on Friday night.
The Wildcats raced out to a 9-0 lead in the top of the second inning and never looked back; Arizona plated five more through the final seven innings and allowed six to create the final margin of 14-6.
Arizona's bats woke up in a big way, collecting 14 runs on 17 hits and five walks. Nine of the Cats 17 hits went for extra bases, including a pair of triples that extended their NCAA lead in the category.
Starting pitcher
Raul Garayzar, making his first weekend start of the season, worked 4.2 innings and allowed just one run on four hits. He did not factor into the decision.
Matthew Martinez,
Eric Orloff, and
Garrett Hicks all worked scoreless outings from the Arizona bullpen. Martinez (3-0) picked up his third win of the year.
Friday's win sets up a Saturday rubber match that will be crucial for the Wildcats seeding in the Big 12 Championship next week in Arlington.
Arizona WildBATS
- 2B Garen Caulfield: 3-for-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI
- CF Aaron Walton: 4-for-6, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBI
- LF Easton Breyfogle: 2-for-4, 2 R, 3B, HR, 3 RBI
- DH Andrew Cain: 1-for-3, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB
- 1B Tommy Splaine: 3-for-5, 2 R, 2B
- C Adonys Guzman: 1-for-5, R, RBI, BB
Bullpen Bullies
Numbers of the Day
- Arizona's 14 runs on Friday night were tied for their most in a Big 12 Conference game this season (also: March 15 vs. Cincinnati; W, 14-2).
- Orloff's appearance was the 87th of his career, moving him into a tie for fifth all-time at Arizona.
Photo of the Day
Social Media Coverage
Next Up
The Wildcats and Cougars square off in the series rubber match on Sunday afternoon in Houston. First pitch on ESPN+ is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. MST.
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