Abe Gonzalez threw a complete game for the Owls, allowing just 2 runs and walking none as the Owls thoroughly demolished fourth seeded Alcorn State 14-2 on Friday night in the nightcap of the Houston Regional. Rice didn’t hit for much power, but really didn’t need to: the Owls banged out 22 hits. Five of them were doubles, including two by Michael Ratterree, who went 3-6 with 2 RBI out of the cleanup spot.
After finishing the year third in the nation in stolen bases, Alcorn State was able to manage just one in this game. Every one of the pitchers they used were touched up for multiple runs.
Rice will advance to take on Baylor in the Winner’s Bracket tomorrow. That game will be at 6 PM CST at Reckling Park. Baylor advanced by knocking California junior Erik Johnson around for six runs in 2.1 innings, holding on to win by a 6-4 score. California and Alcorn State will meet in the loser’s bracket game, which will happen at 2 PM CT.