The University of Houston softball team achieved its first Big 12 series victory by defeating Baylor, 10-1, via run-rule at Getterman Stadium on Saturday, April 4. Freshman Ronnie Esparza led the Cougars with a standout performance, hitting two home runs and driving in three runs.
This win is significant for Houston as it marks their first-ever series victory over Baylor since becoming conference rivals. The Cougars improved to a record of 20-22 overall and 3-12 in Big 12 play, while the Bears fell to 23-14 overall and an even split in conference games.
Esparza set four career highs during the game: hits (3), home runs (2), RBIs (3), and runs scored (2). She became the second freshman this season to hit her first two career homers in one game for Houston. Mandy Esman also contributed with a home run and three RBIs, while Madox Mitchael drove in two more runs. Pitcher Nevaeh Brown threw her fifth complete game of the season, allowing just one run on six hits over six innings.
Five Houston players recorded multi-hit games. The team’s offensive surge included key innings where Makenna Mitchell’s double gave them an early lead in the third inning, followed by explosive fifth and sixth innings that secured their largest margin of victory since joining the Big 12 Conference in 2024.
Looking ahead, Houston will travel to face BYU from April 9-11. Game one is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m., with all matchups available for streaming on ESPN+.
