April 21, 2008

HOUSTON - The University of Houston baseball team returns to action at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, when the Cougars play host to McNeese State at Cougar Field.

Houston, which is now ranked No. 28 in the latest Collegiate Baseball poll, enters Tuesday's contest after dropping two-of-three to Conference USA-rival UAB in Birmingham, Ala.

Freshman right-hander Jared Ray will make his eighth start of the season when he takes the mound against the Cowboys. This season, Ray has pitched to a 1-1 record and a 6.54 ERA, fanning 35 batters in 42.2 innings.

In his last start on April 16, the Waco native earned his first collegiate victory after allowing six runs in his five innings of work, striking out four in the Cougars' 9-6 win over Sam Houston State.

After missing most of last year due to injury, senior outfielder Jake Stewart has reemerged as an integral offensive force for the Cougars this season. Stewart is hitting .338, leading the club with16 doubles, 45 runs scored and is tied with a team-high eight home runs.

The Santa Fe, Texas native tied a UH record, blasting three home runs against the Blazers on Friday. Stewart finished 7-for-12 with six runs and six RBI during the three-game series.

Junior Jimmy Cesario made a return to the lineup last week after missing eight games with a wrist injury he suffered on March 26 against Rice. After some early struggles at the plate this season, Cesario has turned his season around.

The Metairie, La., native has seen his batting average climb to over .280, ripping seven doubles, scoring 28 runs and driving in 16. Last weekend, Cesario belted a pair of home runs against the Blazers. He finished with four hits, four runs and four RBI during the series.

Fans can hear all the action from Tuesday's game live on UHCougars.com with Jeremy Branham calling the play-by-play, while former UH letterwinner Pat Cauley provides the analysis.

Fans also can follow live stats via the Internet by clicking the "GameTracker" link on the UH Athletics home page.

The Cougars own a 39-12 all-time record against McNeese State and enter Tuesday's game with an eight-game winning streak, including an 11-1 victory earlier this season.

Offensively, the Cowboys are led by sophomore catcher Taylor Freeman. Freeman leads the club with a .407 average, 15 doubles, seven home runs and 39 RBI.

McNeese State has yet to announce a starting pitcher.