June 9, 2006

HOUSTON - University of Houston catcher/pitcher Luis Flores recently was honored as a 2006 Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American.

Flores, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, emerged as one of UH's and Conference USA's most versatile student-athletes during his first collegiate season. In addition to his pitching and catching duties, he saw playing time at first base, DH, left field and in right during the 2006 campaign.

On the mound, Flores compiled a 6-3 record with 67 strikeouts and a 3.00 ERA in 87.0 innings of work. He ranked second among all UH hurlers with his ERA and .239 opposing batting average and finished third on the staff in wins and innings pitched.

At the plate, he assembled a .288 batting average with eight home runs - third best on the team - and 30 RBIs. Flores was the only Cougar player to blast two home runs in a game twice in 2006, accomplishing that feat at Texas A&M and at No. 22 Southern Miss.

He was named to the 2006 C-USA All-Freshmen Team and garnered honors on the 2006 C-USA All-Tournament Team as a pitcher for his performance against No. 11 Tulane during the semifinals.

Flores became the first player since Stuart Musslewhite in 2002 to earn Freshman All-American honors and joined his brother Gene in that distinction. Gene received the award in 2001 and was a four-year letterwinner at UH from 2001-05.