The Rice Owls entered the opening game of the 2026 American Conference Baseball Championship with a modest record but a hunger for redemption, facing a Wichita State team that had dominated early innings.
A late surge in the bottom of the ninth turned the tide, as the Owls rallied to a 5‑4 win that left the crowd on its feet.
Webb’s Heroics
Kutter‑Gage Webb, the sophomore slugger, delivered a 407‑foot home run that tied the game and later drove in three runs, showcasing the kind of clutch performance that defines championship baseball.
The decisive moment came when Lorenzo Rios laid down a bunt that forced the winning run across the plate, capping a rally that saw the Owls overturn a one‑run deficit.
Reliever Zachary Fetchel sealed the victory, earning his first collegiate win by shutting down the Shockers over the final two innings.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Rice improves to 35‑22 and extends its winning streak to ten out of the last twelve games, while also snapping a drought that had lingered since 2018 for opening‑game victories in conference tournaments.
The Owls now turn their attention to a matchup against East Carolina, a contest that will determine who advances to the winner’s bracket, a prospect that has the team buzzing with confidence.
Coach Anthony Cepeda praised the team’s resilience, noting that the comeback reflects a culture of perseverance that has become a hallmark of this squad.