Ryland Urbanczyk had a standout performance on Saturday night, leading the Rice Owls to a 13-2 victory over Grand Canyon. This win was a highlight for Urbanczyk, who had been waiting for solid run support throughout his previous starts. It was his first outing since 2024, where he showed impressive skill, allowing only two runs and striking out six batters.
In the early innings, Grand Canyon took the lead with runs in the first and third. Rice struggled offensively, managing just one hit until the fourth inning. Then, everything changed. The Owls came alive, starting with a single by Garet Boehm. They quickly gained momentum, scoring two critical runs and eventually taking the lead for good.
The team’s surge continued, culminating in an eight-run inning in the sixth. This remarkable effort saw Rice send 14 players to the plate, including Mason Ashlock, who contributed significantly with a two-run single and later drew a bases-loaded walk.
Following the game, Urbanczyk expressed relief and excitement about finally receiving the offensive backing he needed. He had previously allowed only four combined runs over four starts but had been left without a win due to minimal run support.
Rice is now on a winning streak, capturing three consecutive games and nine out of the last 11. Their season record improved to 12-8, a notable achievement as this is the quickest they have reached 12 wins since 2015. Their performance this year has already outpaced last year’s struggles, where they didn’t record their 12th win until the 42nd game.
This victory also speaks volumes about the team’s offensive capabilities. Over their last two games, they’ve tallied 29 runs, the highest in consecutive outings since 2022. Garet Boehm and Kutter-Gage Webb have been standouts, with Webb hitting a remarkable .800 during the series, showcasing the team’s collective strength at the plate.
As the Owls prepare for their rematch against Saint Mary’s, fans are eager to see if they can maintain their momentum and continue to build on this successful stretch.
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