SUGAR LAND, Texas – Houston Christian University jumped out to a three-run lead after four innings, but couldn't hold off the University of Illinois-Chicago, as the Flames got past the Huskies 10-7 in the Sugar Land Classic at Constellation Field on Saturday evening. 

The Huskies got on the board first in the top of the third inning starting with Damian Ruiz and Samuel Benjamin scoring on a fielding error by UIC's second baseman, AJ Taylor, before Tyler LaRue doubled down the left field line scoring Dylan LaRue. After the Flames tied the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the third inning, the Huskies retook the lead recorded three runs in the top of the fourth inning. HCU started the fourth inning with a double to left center by Trevor Roper scoring Josh Prinner and Luke Bard before Roper scored on a sacrifice fly by Ruiz.

UIC narrowed the gap to two runs at 6-4 in the bottom of the fifth inning and claimed their first lead of the game scoring five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. William Jewell's homer in the top of the eighth pulled the Huskies to within two, but the Flames answered right back in their half to restore the three-run cushion.

The Huskies were led by William Jewell going 2-for-4 with a home run while Luke Bard went 2-for-4 with a double and a run. Trevor Roper added two RBIs going 1-for-4 with a double and a run. Rye Gunter started the game for the Huskies pitching 3.1 innings allowing three earned runs on four hits with three walks. Nicholas Willard (1-1) was tagged with the loss pitching two innings of relief giving up four earned runs on four hits with two strikeouts and two walks. Baylor Baumann pitched two innings to close out the game allowing one run, no earned runs, on three hits with a walk and a strikeout.

UIC was led by Kendall Ewell going 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, two RBIs and a run. Rayth Peterson went 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and a walk while Jackson Bessette went 2-for-4 with three runs and an RBI. Brandon Bak (1-0) earned the win pitching six innings to start the game allowing six runs, two earned runs, on seven hits with five strikeouts and a walk. Reece Lawler notched the save pitching 1.2 shutout innings of relief with two strikeouts.

The Huskies will continue the 2024 Sugar Land Classic on Sunday taking on SFA at 6 p.m. at Constellation Field.

2024 Sugar Land Classic Sunday Schedule:

UIC vs. Creighton – 10 a.m.
UTSA vs. Lamar – 2 p.m.
SFA vs. HCU – 6 p.m. 

Live stats are available at HCUHuskies.com!