Texas Longhorns upended in series opener by Big 12's last-place baseball team

To begin its weekend in Houston, the Texas Longhorns were listless in a 9-1 loss to the Cougars.

Entering this series, Texas (20-15, 7-6) was tied for third place in the Big 12 standings while Houston (17-16, 5-11) was stuck in last place. Those roles, though, seemed reversed Friday.

With UT sophomore Max Grubbs making his first Friday start, Houston jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second inning and never looked back. Its 11-hit attack was powered by four homers, two of which were hammered by Cary Arbolida.

Houston was sporting a 4.90 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP, but the Cougars threw a two-hitter against Texas on Friday. The Longhorns struck out 16 times against Owen Woodward and reliever Cade Citelli, who was supposed to start the Saturday game in this series but instead worked a day early when Woodward suffered an injury in the fifth inning. The only offensive highlight for the Longhorns was a solo homer off the bat of Will Gasparino.

Texas has dropped the opening game in five straight series. UT and Houston were set to resume their series at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. The Longhorns' expected starting pitcher for this must-win game was Ace Whitehead (3-0, 3.58 ERA). The finale is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday.