After scoring just four runs in three games over the weekend, the Texas batting order is still searching for consistency.

The Longhorns (12-8) again struggled to get going at the plate in their 4-3 loss to Houston (17-4) on Tuesday, as they managed just two extra base hits and failed to record a hit in the final three frames. Texas did all of its damage on offense in the sixth inning, with the big blow being a two-run single off the bat of catcher Jeremy Montalbano.

Despite the loss, head coach Augie Garrido was pleased with his team’s ability to fight back from an early deficit and put together a rally in the sixth inning. Garrido said he had been looking for his team to handle adversity, and he believes that tonight is something they can build off of.

“It’s very important,” Garrido said. “It’s actually one of the best games of the year because we were able to rally and put pressure on our opponent from that point forward. We were a little bit back on our heels, moving along through the innings. We really competed from the sixth inning all the way through the rest of the game. It’s a good sign and something to build off of for the rest of the season. They took the responsibility amongst themselves, which is what we have been waiting for.”

The Longhorns fell in an early hole as the Cougars scored three runs in the second inning to take a 3-0 lead. Kyle Survance supplied the big hit of the inning with a two-run single, and he would come around to score later in the inning on an RBI single by Josh Vidales.

Starting pitcher Chad Hollingsworth suffered his roughest start of the season, as he allowed three runs on four hits and lasted just 1.2 innings. The freshman, who saw his ERA jump to 3.86, picked up the loss to fall to 3-1 on the season.

Aaron Garza put together a strong start for Houston, as he limited Texas to three unearned runs in 5.1 innings while striking out six to pick up the win. Chase Wellbrock recorded the save for the Cougars, pitching the final 3.2 innings without allowing a run.

Outfielder Mark Payton recorded a fourth-inning single to extend his hitting streak to nine games. The junior is batting .406 this season.

Texas is now 3-2 in Tuesday night games and 0-4 on the road in 2013. The Longhorns will look to pick up their first road victory of the season this weekend when they travel to Minneapolis to take on Minnesota in a three-game series.

Published on March 20, 2013 as "Texas' hitting woes continue".