Box Score

Game 3
Final Score	Northeastern 9, Houston 3 (W, Ferguson 1-0)
Records	Houston 2-1, Northeastern 1-2
Next Game	vs. Boston Red Sox (Ft. Myers, Fla. • JetBlue Park), 1:30 p.m.

HOUSTON – Senior pitcher Kevin Ferguson threw a crafty six innings, giving up only one earned run, and Northeastern scored a combined six runs in the seventh and eighth innings as the Huskies powered their way to a 9-3 win over the Houston Cougars on Sunday afternoon. Offensively, Rob Fonseca went 3-for-4 with three RBI, while sophomore Jason Vosler was big for the Red and Black as well, going 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI. The Huskies racked up a season-best 14 hits, forcing the Cougars to make six pitching changes.

For the second time in three games, Northeastern was the first to score in the game's opening frame. Following back-to-back Michael Foster and Vosler singles, Fonseca drove Foster home with a sac fly out in left field to give NU the early advantage.

It was apparent early that on the mound, Ferguson was frustrating the Cougars. He often got the Houston bats to hit into ground balls, including a double play to end the first stanza after only three batters.

Aaron Barbosa -- who scored three runs on the afternoon -- kicked the third inning off by displaying his speed on a first-pitch bunt, beating out the throw to first. Following a failed pickoff attempt, Barbosa motored into scoring position. After Foster struck out, Vosler sent Barbosa home with a double to center field to put the Huskies up 2-0 early.

Houston was able to get runners in scoring position in the third, but once again, Ferguson kept the ball low as Appling ended the inning by grounding out to Shane Allen, who was making his freshman debut on the hot corner.

After both sides were retired in order in the fourth, Northeastern was able to tack on another run in the top of the fifth, thanks to Barbosa's speed again. On Foster's at bat, Houston's Fullmer made a great play in foul territory to snag the ball flying out of play, but Barbosa used his awareness to tag to second. Fonseca then singled to left field and Barbosa scooted home, giving NU a three-run advantage. In the bottom of the frame, Houston once again threatened, but a near double-play (fielder's choice at second) and a great grab by Foster ended the inning with the Huskies unscathed.

Both squads made pitching changes in the sixth inning, but neither team could capitalize, but into the seventh inning is when the Huskies really came on. Leading off the inning, Foster drew a four-pitch walk, which Vosler followed up with a double to left center. With two men on and no outs, Fonseca singled through the left side of the field, scoring Foster. While Vosler was rounding third, an errant throw got past Houston's catcher, allowing the Husky sophomore to take home for Northeastern's second tally in the frame.

Ferguson started out the bottom of the sixth by giving up two consecutive singles, prompting Northeastern to bring in Mike Fitzgerald in relief. On the third pitch of the at bat, Pyeatt reached on a fielder's choice allowing Survance to score on a throwing error, but that was the only damage done in the inning.

The eighth inning proved to be the nail in the coffin as the Huskies rattled off four runs. Allen took a first-pitch single and advanced to second after a Sean Lyons sacrifice bunt. Barbosa was intentionally walked in favor of an empty base, allowing Foster to step in and single to right center. Foster's drive sent Allen home and Barbosa to third. Vosler ripped another shot up the middle, scoring both Foster and Barbosa, thanks to another throwing error from center field. Brad Burcroff finished things off by collecting his first hit of the day, sending Vosler to home plate for NU's fourth run of the frame.

While the Northeastern offense was done, Houston's was not. The Cougars tacked on one run each in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings, but Fitzgerald and senior co-captain Dylan Maki pitched very well to keep any UH rally at bay.

With the win, Northeastern improves to 1-2 on the season, avoiding a nonconference sweep to open things up. The Huskies will next travel to Ft. Myers, Fla., to face the Red Sox in an exhibition game, before returning to Texas to face UT Arlington in a three-game series in Arlington.

Game Notes:
• Jason Vosler was the first Husky to have four hits in a game since Matt Miller (May 8, 2012 vs. UConn)
• Vosler is currently riding a 14-game hit streak, dating back to May 4, 2012
• Shane Allen earned his first start as a Husky today at 3B (1-for-5)
• Rob Fonseca tied a career-high with three RBI