Memphis completed a three-game sweep over Rice with a 6-5 victory in 10 innings on April 19. The win came after Memphis rallied for four runs in the final three trips to the plate during the series finale.
The outcome is significant as it marks the first time this season that Rice has been swept in a conference series. The loss also drops Rice’s record to 24-17 overall and 13-9 at home, while Memphis extends its winning streak at Reckling Park to seven games.
In Sunday’s game, Memphis took an early lead of 2-0 before Rice responded with four runs in the fifth inning and another run in the sixth, making it a 5-2 game. Kutter-Gage Webb opened the fifth with a double and eventually scored on Landis Davila’s single. Cole Green added another run with a double, followed by Colin Robson’s sacrifice fly and Paul Smith’s double to bring home Green. Hiram Bocachica Jr. led off the sixth for Rice with a triple and scored on Webb’s ground out.
Memphis closed the gap by scoring one run in the eighth inning, tying it up with two more runs in the ninth, and ultimately taking the lead for good with one run in extra innings.
Sunday starter Ryland Urbanczyk struck out a career-best seven batters over six innings for Rice. The Owls will look to rebound as they conclude their current homestand Tuesday night against Houston during Game Two of the Silver Glove Series, which will feature pregame activities related to Fleet Week.
