Baylor Baseball Heads to Houston for Weekend Showdown
Baylor Baseball is gearing up for another trip to Houston, this time for an exciting weekend series against the Cougars. Earlier this season, the Bears had a mixed outing at the BRUCE BOLT College Classic, securing a 1-2 record at the Astros' Daikin Park. Now, they're back in the Space City, eager to build on recent successes.
The Bears are riding high after a commanding 16-7 win over Incarnate Word. This offensive explosion featured a season-high 16 runs on 16 hits, marking their ninth game of the season with double-digit hits.
A standout performance saw Baylor swiping seven bases, a feat they hadn't achieved since their matchup with Tennessee in 2022. Freshman outfielder Brady Janusek was electric on the bases, becoming the first Bear since 2024 to steal three bases in a single game.
With 39 stolen bases in just 24 games, Baylor is on pace for its best season since 2011.
Baylor's home-field advantage has been evident with an impressive 10-game winning streak to start the season, their longest since 2021. Including last season's finale, this streak extends to 11 games, the best run since 2012.
Facing the Cougars, Baylor holds a historical edge with a 91-74 record, but recent encounters have been challenging, with a 1-5 record under head coach Mitch Thompson. The Bears are aiming for their first road win against Houston since 2016 and their first series win there since 1996.
Pitching Matchups:
- Friday: RHP Lucas Davenport (1-0, 1.98 ERA) vs. RHP Connor Udland (1-1, 5.49 ERA)
- Saturday: RHP Zack Wallace (2-1, 3.80 ERA) vs. RHP Kendall Hoffman (1-2, 4.41 ERA)
- Sunday: LHP Ethan Calder (1-3, 4.39 ERA) vs. RHP Paul Schmitz (2-1, 7.66 ERA)
Players to Watch:
Redshirt junior infielder Travis Sanders is on a tear, maintaining a 27-game on-base streak that stretches back to last season. Freshman outfielder Brady Janusek is also heating up, boasting a .455 average over his last five games. On the mound, fifth-year senior RHP Caleb Bunch has been dominant, allowing just one run over his last 10.2 innings.
Milestones on the Horizon:
With 39 stolen bases already, the Bears are close to surpassing the 40+ mark for just the fourth time in 11 seasons. Travis Sanders is nearing a personal milestone with 97 career hits, and senior LHP Ethan Calder is approaching 200 career innings, a feat not achieved since Tyler Thomas.
Youth Movement:
Baylor's lineup is infused with young talent, as 47% of plate appearances have been made by players with fewer than 55 career appearances entering 2026. Freshmen and redshirt freshmen are contributing significantly, accounting for 36% of the team’s hits.
Broadcast Information:
Catch all the weekend action on ESPN+ or listen to the Baylor Sports Media Network radio call with Derek Smith and Tom Barfield on ESPN Central Texas 1660 AM/92.3 FM.
Travis Sanders: A Blazing Start
Sanders, a preseason All-Big 12 shortstop, is off to a fantastic start, batting .386 through 22 games. He reached 20 hits faster than any Bear since Davis Wendzel in 2019 and is batting an impressive .596 on balls in play.
Facing Tough Competition:
Baylor's schedule is no walk in the park, featuring the nation's No. 7 Strength of Schedule.
They've battled seven ranked teams and currently sit at No. 39 in the RPI. With 22 games against NCAA Tournament teams, including several conference champions, Baylor is proving it's ready to compete with the best.
Stay connected with Baylor Baseball on social media: @BaylorBaseball.