HOUSTON, Texas — The Arizona Wildcats (34-18, 16-12) dropped a 13-4 decision in their opening game against the Houston Cougars (29-22, 12-15) on Thursday night at Schroeder Park.

Second baseman Garen Caulfield collected his fifth home run of the season and left fielder Easton Breyfogle drove in a pair with a second-inning triple to account for Arizona's four runs.

The Wildcats led 4-3 heading to the bottom of the sixth inning before being sunk by back-to-back five run ambushes.

Right-hander Michael Hilker Jr. threw the eighth inning and issued a clean frame with a pair of strikeouts.

Arizona WildBATS

• 2B Garen Caulfield: 1-for-3, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB
• LF Easton Breyfogle: 2-for-4, 3B 2 RBI

Bullpen Bullies

• RHP Michael Hilker Jr.: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Photo of the Night

Social Media Coverage

"They call Houston 'Space City,' well that one was sent to the moon and back!" –Brian Jeffries ???? pic.twitter.com/FxlIikqNBm

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) May 16, 2025

this Mason White kid sure can play ball huh? ????? pic.twitter.com/OnzXgnLC0L

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) May 16, 2025

The NCAA leaders in triples have logged on ??????? pic.twitter.com/uAi47Zq769

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) May 16, 2025

Next Up

Arizona and Houston return to the diamond on Friday night for game two. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. MST.