The Owls (0-1) opened the 2026 season Monday night against Houston, building an early lead before ultimately falling 15-5.

The Owls came out sharp offensively, plating a run in the first inning when junior Matthew Ray delivered an RBI double. MUS added another in the second on an RBI single from senior Carter Sayle, and senior Reid McKnett extended the advantage to 3-0 in the third with a run-scoring single.

Houston answered in the middle innings to even the game and later used a big seventh inning to create separation.

Despite the final score, MUS turned in several encouraging performances. McKnett recorded a multi-hit game with an RBI and also provided two innings of relief work on the mound. Sayle, Ray, and sophomore Hudson Jacks each drove in a run as the Owls received balanced production throughout the lineup.

On the mound, junior Doug Suddarth made the Opening Day start and struck out four over 3.1 innings. Defensively, the Owls were steady and played error-free baseball. Senior Gray Nevels led the team with six chances in the field and highlighted the night by throwing out a runner at third base on a steal attempt.

MUS returns home Wednesday night to host Munford, looking to build on the positives from the season opener.

#GoOwls