Softball Changes Weekend Schedule for Series Against Houston

Friday, April 19

Memphis, Tenn.

5 PM

University of Memphis

Houston

Photo by: Matthew Smith

Softball Changes Weekend Schedule for Series Against Houston

Apr 17, 2019 | Softball

Game one will be on Friday at 5 p.m. with an 11 a.m. doubleheader on Saturday

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Remaining at home this weekend, the UofM softball team welcomes Houston for a three-game set. First pitch of the series is set for Friday at 5 p.m. at the Tigers Softball Complex. Saturday will feature a doubleheader starting at 11 a.m.

Games 45-48
Memphis (21-23 (3-9)) vs. Houston (29-15 (6-6))
Friday's first pitch: 5 p.m. CT
Location: Tigers Softball Complex
Live Stats | Watch (Free)

The Tigers (21-23) will face the Cougars after hosting Wichita State last weekend. Despite putting up double-digit hits in games one and two, Memphis was unable to pick up a victory last weekend. Alyssa Dean and Baylee Smith led the way with four hits apiece throughout the weekend.

Smith continues to lead the Tigers offensively, batting .376 while collecting 47 hits, nine doubles, three triples and six home runs. Her six home runs are tied for team-lead with three other Tigers. Smith also places near the top of the roster in stolen bases, swiping a perfect 12-of-12 on the season. She is second on the team to Delaney Smith, who is 18-for-18 on the year.

As a team, Memphis eclipsed the 30 home run mark for the fifth time in school history. Eight different Tigers have sailed one over the fence.

The pitching staff for the Tigers holds a 4.19 ERA and 198 strikeouts. Across all pitchers, Memphis allows opponent batters to hit .251. Karli Perque allows the lowest batting average, allowing a .235 average. Mariah Nichols leads the team with 84 strikeouts.

A Look At The Competition
Houston comes to Memphis after sweeping the UConn Huskies last weekend. Across three games, the Cougars outscored UConn 14-2, including a 9-0 run-rule decision in game one.

Sarah Barker leads the Cougars on offense, hitting .364. She is one of four Houston players to hit over .300. Arielle James, who hits .352, leads the team with 13 doubles. As a team, the Cougars have piled up 308 hits.

In the circle, the Houston pitching corps enters the weekend with a 1.96 ERA. Cougar pitchers have combined for 15 shutouts and 212 strikeouts. Presley Bell has a team-low 1.16 ERA in 72.2 innings pitched.

Memphis and Houston have faced off 43 times prior to this weekend, with Houston owning a 33-10 series lead. Memphis last won against Houston in game one of the 2017 series.

Final Details
First pitch on Friday is set for 5 p.m. CT at Tigers Softball Complex. The teams will play a double header on Saturdy starting at 11 a.m. Live stats and a free stream will be available at www.gotigersgo.com. For more information on the Tigers, follow the Memphis softball team on social media at @MemphisSoftball.