Owls open series with 5-2 win over UAB

Rice wins fourth straight

No. 21 Rice used an excellent start by Jared Rogers to propel it to a 5-2 win over UAB at Reckling Park on Thursday night.

The Owls (34-19, 16-6) opened the scoring in the second when Michael Ratterree grounded out to short to plate Anthony Rendon.

Two innings later, Diego Seastrunk delivered his seventh home run of the season to make it 2-0.

Meanwhile Rice’s Rogers was mowing down Blazers. The Owls’ righty went 7.2 scoreless innings and allowed just four hits.

It remained 2-0 until the eighth when Wayne Graham’s club got some insurance it would end up needing. Jeremy Rathjen’s 17th double of the season drove home two runs and Anthony Rendon made it 5-0 with a single to left.

UAB (27-24, 10-12) wouldn’t go down without a fight in the ninth, as they got after Owls’ reliever Abe Gonzales.

Jonathan Merritt drew a lead off walk. Luke Stewart followed with a double to right and John Frost’s single made it 5-1. After a sacrifice fly by Digger Towe cut the Blazers’ deficit to 5-2, it appeared the rally would continue as Ryan Ussery singled. It was not be, though, as Andrew Manning hit into a game ending 4-6-3 double play.

Mitch Kloskowski pitched well in a losing effort for UAB. He allowed just two runs—both earned—on five hits in five innings. Reliever Benji Waite was touched up for three runs—all earned—on four hits in just three innings, though.

Designated hitter Craig Manuel joined Jeremy Rathjen and Diego Seastrunk with two hit games for Rice.

John Frost had two hits for the Blazers.
While Rice has already captured the regular season title, many are focused on what is happening at Reckling Park this weekend since the Blazers are among those vying for the remaining CUSA tourney spots.

The series will continue on Friday evening before concluding on Saturday.