Rice defeated Charlotte in the first game of a three-game college baseball series on April 10, after building an early lead and holding off a late comeback attempt by the home team.
The result matters for both teams as it sets the tone for the rest of the weekend series. Rice improved its record in opening games of weekend series to seven wins and two losses this season.
Rice started strong, taking a 6-0 lead by scoring in each of the first three innings. Paul Smith opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly, while Hiram Bocachica, Jr., hit his first home run of the season to extend Rice’s advantage. Landis Davila had his first career multi-hit game with three hits, and JC Davis recorded his team-leading fourteenth multi-hit game this year.
Charlotte narrowed Rice’s lead in later innings. Cody Gunderson hit his seventh home run of the year for Charlotte, and Dylan Koontz added his tenth homer to cut into Rice’s margin. Despite these efforts, Rice pitchers Tanner Wiggins and Brayden Sharp combined to escape several jams late in the game. Wiggins struck out a career-high eight batters over seven innings pitched.
Looking ahead, Rice and Charlotte will play Game Two of their series on April 11 at 3:05 p.m., with streaming available through ESPN+. The outcome may influence standings as both teams continue conference play.
