TUCSON, Ariz. -- The Arizona Wildcats (9-5) dropped a close game two to the Houston Cougars (5-8) on a final score of 3-1 on Saturday night at Hi Corbett Field.

The Cats bullpen was brilliant, keeping the offense in the game by holding the Coogs off the board over the final 3.2 innings of the game. Southpaw Ian Churchill (3.0 IP) and right-hander Preston Price (0.2 IP) combined to limit Houston to just one hit while striking out three batters.

Starting pitcher Quinn Flanagan (1-2) allowed three runs on six hits through 5.1 innings. He issued just one walk and struck out three Houston batters while throwing 84 pitches.

Arizona's offense put 19 runners on base throughout the night, but could not capitalize and turn them into runs. In total, the Wildcats collected 11 hits, seven walks, and one hit batter to crowd the base paths.

The Houston win evened the three-game series at 1-1, creating a Sunday afternoon rubber match at Hi Corbett. Neither team has yet to announce a starter for the series finale.

Arizona WildBATS

• C Austin Wells: 4-for-5
• CF Donta Williams: 1-for-4, 1 R, 1 BB
  • Extends on-base streak to 23 games
• 2B Matthew Dyer: 1-for-5, 1 RBI
• 1B Branden Boissiere: 1-for-2, 3 BB
  • Career-high in walks
• SS Jacob Blas: 1-for-4, 1 BB

Bullpen Bullies

• LHP Ian Churchill: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 K
• RHP Preston Price: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R

Number of the Night

• The Arizona pitching staff posted their sixth game of the year allowing three or fewer runs.

Photo of the Night

Tweet of the Night

Let this be a lesson: You run on @dtwill23 at your own risk ??

Absolute laser from right-center to nail the Houston runner at 3rd?#MLBTrainingGround | #BearDown pic.twitter.com/49HKf940kv

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) March 8, 2020

Up Next

Arizona and Houston wrap up their three-game series with the rubber match on Sunday, March 8. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. MST at Hi Corbett Field.
 

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Tickets

All season ticket options, single-game tickets, and group options for the Wildcats 2020 baseball season are available now and can be purchased by visiting ArizonaWildcats.com/BSB or by calling 520-621-CATS.