Brett Bowen's RBI double in the sixth inning was the only blemish on Touchton's line, but the Cougar starter retired four of the last five batters he faced -- including three by strikeout -- to win for the second time in his last three starts.
Freshman southpaw Ty Stuckey endured some tense moments in the ninth inning but picked up his third save after tossing a shutout final frame.
Meanwhile, the Cougar offense continued its recent torrid hitting, rapping out 12 hits with five doubles. All but one Cougar starter recorded at least one hit in the game with four players pounding out two hits apiece. Sophomore catcher Chris Wallace went 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs, while freshman DH Caleb Ramsey batted 2-for-4 with a run and double.
Senior second baseman Ryan Lormand went 2-for-5 with a double and a run, while senior outfielder Jake Stewart went 2-for-4.
Memphis starter Scott McGregor (1-6) collected the loss, allowing four runs (two earned) off nine hits and two walks with four strikeouts in seven innings.
UH won its 17th consecutive home game against the Tigers dating to 1998.
The series wraps up at noon Sunday. Sophomore southpaw Brach Davis is scheduled to throw for Memphis. Senior righthander Bryan Tully is scheduled to make his first start on the mound for the Cougars.
For more information, go to uhcougars.cstv.com
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