Rice University is gearing up to close out its third season in the American Athletic Conference by welcoming Tulane to Reckling Park for a three-game series this Thursday through Saturday. The first two games will start at 6:35 PM, and the finale will begin at 1:05 PM.
How to Follow the Games
Fans can catch the action on RiceOwls.com and the Varsity Network app. J.P. Heath will commentate the first two games, while Jason Metko will take over for Saturday’s match. The broadcasts on ESPN+ this Thursday will feature Gerald Sanchez, Austin Davis, and Abby Mahoney, with Randy McIlvoy, Enrique Cruz, and Alexis Pedraza covering Friday’s game. The finale will be called by Heath, Sam Kaman, and Pedraza.
Special Offers for Fans
To celebrate the Owls’ achievement of reaching 30 wins, ticket prices for all three games have been reduced by 30%. Before Thursday’s opener, Rice will hold a special Commencement ceremony for 10 players who missed the previous weekend’s events due to games at East Carolina. Saturday marks Senior Day, honoring the players and their families in their last home game. The first 150 fans on this day will receive a final set of trading cards featuring the senior players, while the first 250 will get a Rice water bottle, courtesy of Houston Methodist.
The Playoff Race
Four spots in the upcoming American Conference Baseball Championship have already been claimed by Rice, UTSA, ECU, and UAB. Rice could enter the tournament seeded anywhere from second to seventh. The top two seeds earn a double bye, while the third and fourth-place teams get a bye to the second day of action. Currently tied for third with UAB at 13-11, Rice holds the tiebreaker after sweeping UAB two weeks ago. Both teams trail ECU by just one game. Florida Atlantic and Memphis are hot on their heels, only one game behind, while Wichita State is two games back.
Historical Rivalry
Rice has a strong history against Tulane, leading the all-time series 31-13 and holding a 14-4 record on home turf. Despite recent struggles, Rice’s last win against Tulane marked a significant milestone in their American Athletic Conference journey, as it was their first conference victory after losing the first two games in their opening series against the Green Wave.
Coaching Connections
David Pierce, who took over as Tulane’s head coach in 2014, posted a commendable 76-46 record during his tenure, leading the team to two NCAA appearances. Interestingly, he has faced Rice without success in his head coaching career, going 0-4 in those matchups, including the three-game series Tulane swept last season.
As fans prepare for a thrilling series, the excitement is palpable. This weekend not only marks the end of the season but also brings together a rich tapestry of history, achievements, and the hope of playoff success.
