
Rice Owls’ Late Surge Falls Just Short in Heart‑Stopping Finale
Rice Owls rally from a 5‑1 hole to briefly lead, only to fall to UAB in a 9‑6 thriller that caps a historic 18‑game turnaround.
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Rice Owls rally from a 5‑1 hole to briefly lead, only to fall to UAB in a 9‑6 thriller that caps a historic 18‑game turnaround.

UAB overcame a late deficit to defeat No. 3 Rice 9-6 in the 2026 American Baseball Championship, advancing to face either Memphis or Wichita State in the next round.

The Rice Owls dropped a 4-3 decision to East Carolina on Friday night at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida, a loss that puts their championship hopes on the line.

Rice survived a late surge from Wichita State to win 5‑4, with Webb’s clutch home run and three RBIs sealing the comeback.

Tulane secured a 6‑5 victory over Rice after an 11‑inning showdown at Reckling Park, highlighted by Jason Wachs’s early homer and a decisive late rally.

The Owls erupted early, built a comfortable lead, and held off a late Tulane rally to improve to 33-22 and lock a top-three seed in next week’s American Conference Baseball Championship.

Tulane’s season ends after a 10‑6 defeat to Rice, dropping the Green Wave to 7‑21 on the road and sealing their exit from the 2026 conference tournament.

Tulane’s 12‑0 loss at Rice highlights pitching woes and a stagnant offense, pushing the Green Wave’s record to 4‑20 in early‑inning games.