Houston Cougars baseball swept by Baylor as early leads fade and Big 12 record worsens

Series outcome at Schroeder Park

The University of Houston baseball team dropped a three-game Big 12 series to Baylor at Darryl and Lori Schroeder Park, losing 6-2 on March 27, 10-3 on March 28, and 14-7 on March 29, 2026. The sweep left Houston at 13-14 overall and 1-8 in conference play at the end of the weekend, while Baylor improved to 16-11 overall and 5-4 in the Big 12.

Game 2: Houston’s fast start erased by six-run third inning

Saturday’s middle game encapsulated the swing of the weekend. Houston jumped ahead 3-0 in the first inning, including a two-run home run by right fielder Xavier Perez—his sixth of the season. Two batters later, catcher Riley Jackson’s shallow fly ball brought home Easton Winfield from first base to extend the early advantage.

Baylor responded with 10 unanswered runs, highlighted by a six-run third inning, and went on to win 10-3. In relief, senior Ryne Rodriguez struck out five across five innings.

Game 1: Strikeouts couldn’t offset Baylor’s midgame surge

In Friday’s opener, Houston fell 6-2 despite recording 12 strikeouts on the mound. Starter Connor Udland worked 4.1 innings, allowing two earned runs while striking out three. Out of the bullpen, Tyler Bryan struck out five over 2.1 innings, and Harrison Boushele added 2.1 hitless, scoreless innings with four strikeouts.

Houston’s offense produced two runs on a Blake Fields RBI single and Jackson LaLima’s sixth home run of the season. Baylor’s decisive separation came with three runs in the sixth inning, and first baseman Tyce Armstrong homered twice in the game.

Game 3: Baylor’s 14 runs overcome Houston’s 11 hits

Sunday’s finale featured more offense, but again tilted toward Baylor. Houston collected 11 hits, with two apiece from shortstop Tyler Cox, outfielders Tre Broussard and Xavier Perez, and second baseman Antonelli Savattere. Cox added a triple and two RBIs, while Riley Jackson led Houston with three RBIs.

Houston starter Paul Schmitz took the loss after 3.2 innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on four hits and a walk with three strikeouts. Baylor starter Ethan Calder earned the win, working seven innings while allowing four runs on seven hits with two strikeouts.

What the numbers show

• Houston led early in the March 28 game (3-0 after one) before Baylor scored 10 straight.
• Houston pitchers generated strikeouts across the series, including 12 in the opener, but Baylor produced sustained scoring in the middle innings.
• The sweep deepened Houston’s early Big 12 deficit to 1-8 through nine conference games.

Across the three games, Houston scored 12 runs and allowed 30, with Baylor producing multi-run innings in each contest.