Rice University’s baseball team defeated Charlotte, 3-2, on Apr. 12 to complete a series sweep and achieve its first conference sweep since 2024.
The win marks a milestone for Rice, as the team improved to a record of 23-14 and moved nine games above .500 for the first time since the end of the 2016 season. The game was highlighted by strong pitching from the Owls, who held Charlotte to just four hits.
Rice started quickly in the first inning by loading the bases with no outs. Paul Smith drove in two runs with a single before Charlotte responded in the third inning to tie the game at two. The decisive moment came in the fifth inning when JC Davis hit an RBI single that brought Colin Robson home after he advanced on a balk and wild pitch.
Pitcher Ryland Urbanczyk struck out four batters over seven innings, earning his third win of the season. Brayden Sharp helped preserve Rice’s lead in relief during key moments late in the game, while Ty Thames recorded his fourth save after closing out the ninth inning.
JC Davis led Rice offensively by going two-for-four at bat, marking his fifteenth multi-hit game this year and extending his on-base streak to twelve games. Paul Smith also collected two hits for his eighth multi-hit performance of the season. Cole Green extended his own on-base streak to twelve games as well.
Looking ahead, Rice will take a break from conference play and host Sam Houston on Wednesday, Apr. 15 at Reckling Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., with streaming available via ESPN+.
