Houston, Texas — The Cougars of Chicago State University officially began Great West Conference baseball play on Thursday at Houston Baptist, but fell to the host Huskies, 14-9, after squandering an early six run lead.
CSU turned to outfielder/pitcher Albert Carpen (Whiting, IN/Clark) in an attempt to lead them to victory. Carpen threw an inning and a third, surrendering three runs on two hits. He was relieved by freshman Eric Hall (Oakville, ONT/Oakville Trafalgar), who threw two innings and two thirds. Hall allowed five runs on six hits, although only two were earned. This paved the way for senior Andrew Watson (Shawnee, OK/Eastern Oklahoma State CC). Watson gave up six runs through an inning and two thirds, none of which were earned. Finally, Jose Leon (Chicago, IL/Gwendolyn Brooks) closed the game out with two and a third innings of work, with no runs scored and only one hit given up.
The Cougars hit the ball well, but struggled to find key hits with runners on base. Albert Carpen (Whiting, IN/Clark) (batting for himself) was 2-4, as was first baseman Jeremy Ratajczyk (Highland, IN/Indiana University Northwest), who launched a towering homerun in the fourth inning. Third baseman Shane McGaharan (Northwood, OH/Patrick Henry CC) was 1-3 with two runs scored, and Ryan Malhotra (Oakville, ONT/Niagara County CC) was 1-4 with another two runs scored. Left fielder Jonathan Carpen (Whiting, IN/Clark) had a great day, going 3-5 with four RBI'S. Finally, center fielder William Hill (Wheaton, Ill./Glenbard South) posted a solid 3-4 with two runs scored.
CSU returns to action tomorrow with a Good Friday doubleheader against HBU with a start time of 12 p.m.
