Astros: Space Cowboys to host Berkman, Houston Baptist

Astros Hall of Famer Lance Berkman brings Houston Baptist to Constellation Field.

The Sugar Land Space Cowboys, the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, will host former outfielder and first baseman Lance Berkman and Houston Baptist on Friday and Sunday, the team announced.

The Astros Hall of Famer is bringing his 0-5 Huskies to Constellation Field, looking for their first win under Berkman.

Following the 2021 season, Berkman was hired as the next head coach for the Huskies. This will be the first time the five-time All-Star for the Astros heads to Constellation Field as a collegiate coach.

Houston Baptist will face Hofstra in a three-game set, starting at noon Friday with the second act of the doubleheader beginning approximately 45 minutes after the opener.

Berkman, on the hunt for his first victory as a head coach, lost to his alma mater, Rice, on Wednesday to former Owls and Astros teammate, Jose Cruz Jr. Cruz is also in his first season as a college head coach, as the two spoke to reporters Wednesday about the new challenges they face.

Cruz’s first win as a head coach came Wednesday over Berkman, as the Owls trumped the Huskies 6-2 at Houston Baptist.

“I’m so excited we finally won a game,” Cruz told reporters Wednesday. “The boys have been hungry for it and working for it. I’m happy for that, and to get that out of the way. As far as Lance (Berkman) goes, he’s a dear friend. I do appreciate what he’s going through. We’re constantly in contact about what we’re doing, (what we are) not doing and how we’re going about our business. I’m sure he’ll have great success in the near future.”

As the Huskies embark on their sixth game of the season, the Pride are sitting with a season opener Friday. This series marks a second straight weekend of college baseball at Constellation Field.

On Feb. 18-20, Sugar Land hosted a four-game set between Purdue and South Dakota State. Tickets for this weekend’s series are available on the Space Cowboy’s website for $10.