UTRGV scores 13 unanswered runs to defeat Houston 13-5 before 4,017 fans in Edinburg

Late-inning pitching change and a second-inning offensive swing decided the series opener

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley erased an early five-run deficit and pulled away from the University of Houston for a 13-5 win on March 4, 2023, in Edinburg. The game drew 4,017 fans at UTRGV Baseball Stadium, as UTRGV scored 13 unanswered runs after falling behind 5-0 within the first inning and a half.

Houston built its early advantage with five runs across the first two innings. The Cougars opened scoring on a two-out RBI single in the first, then added four more in the second inning, including a two-run home run and two additional RBI singles. But the early lead proved fragile as UTRGV’s lineup turned the game in the bottom of the second and never relinquished momentum.

Second inning flipped the game; third inning created separation

Down 5-0, UTRGV began its rally with consecutive leadoff singles in the second. A defensive error brought in the first run and set up a multi-run inning that included an RBI single, a two-run single, and a sacrifice fly that tied the game at 5-5. UTRGV then took control in the third inning with a three-run surge highlighted by an RBI triple and a two-run double to move ahead 8-5.

Houston’s pitching staff used a relief appearance to complete the second inning, but UTRGV continued to apply pressure through sustained contact and situational hitting, adding runs again in the seventh and eighth innings to create a final margin of eight.

Verdugo’s extended relief stabilized UTRGV after early runs

After Houston’s five-run start, UTRGV received 7.1 scoreless innings of relief from Alex Verdugo, who allowed two hits and recorded 10 strikeouts. The extended outing prevented Houston from answering as the lead changed hands, and it effectively turned the game into a prolonged stretch of UTRGV control once the Vaqueros’ offense moved in front.

What the box score shows

• Final: UTRGV 13, Houston 5
• Records at the time: UTRGV 7-3; Houston 4-6
• Runs by inning: Houston scored five in the first two innings; UTRGV scored 13 from the second through the eighth
• Hits/errors: UTRGV 16 hits, 0 errors; Houston 9 hits, 2 errors

The result was defined by two inflection points: Houston’s inability to extend its early lead after the second inning, and UTRGV’s ability to combine sustained offense with long, scoreless relief pitching.

The teams were scheduled to conclude the series the following day in Edinburg.