University of Houston
Rice
Baseball Loses Heartbreaker to Rice, 6-5, In Series Finale
5/3/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 3, 2009
HOUSTON - The University of Houston baseball team scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth, slicing a three-run deficit to one but fell short of the victory, 6-5, against the Rice Owls in the series finale at Cougar Field on Sunday afternoon.
The Cougars trailed 6-3 entering their final at bat after giving up a two-run home run and a solo shot to the Owls in the eighth inning. William Kankel singled through the middle to lead off the inning and David Murphy doubled to right field to put two runners on base. Jake Runte cut the deficit to two with a ground out to second base that scored Kankel and Murphy scored on a pinch hit double from Tom Wertz. Unfortunately for the Cougars, that would be all the run support they would be able to get as Blake Kelso grounded out to shortstop and Zak Presley struck out to end the series.
After giving up three runs to the Owls in the third inning Houston tied up the contest scoring three runs of their own in the fourth. Chase Dempsay started things off with a single up the middle and with two outs, Chris Wallace walked, and Kankel singled to right field, scoring Dempsay. Wallace would then go on to score on a wild pitch and Kankel scored on a Murphy single.
The two teams would then battle it out the next three innings, going scoreless until the Owls took control of the game with their three runs scored in the eighth.
On the mound, Wes Musick earned the start going seven innings, allowing nine hits, six runs and six strikeouts. Donnie Joseph closed out the game, not allowing a hit or run while striking out four batters.
Following the game, the Rice Owls were awarded the Silver Glove Series trophy along with the All-Series Team being announced. Below is a complete list of the All-Series Team recipients.
All-Series Team
Pitcher: Ryan Berry, Rice
Pitcher: Matt Evers, Rice
Pitcher: Jared Ray, Houston
Catcher: Chris Wallace, Houston
First Base: Jimmy Comerota, Rice
Second Base: Brock Holt, Rice
Third Base: Jake Runte, Houston
Shortstop: Blake Kelso, Houston
Outfield: Chad Mozingo, Rice
Outfield: Chase Dempsay, Houston
Outfield: Michael Fuda, Rice
Outfield: Caleb Ramsey, Houston
Wild Card: Rick Hague, Rice
MVP: Anthony Rendon, Rice
LOOKING AHEAD
Houston will close out the 2009 home season next week, hosting a mid-week game against McNeese State at 6:30 p.m. on May 5 before a three-game series against East Carolina on May 8-10. Friday and Saturday's games will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the series will conclude at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
The Cougars will then close out the regular season with a three-game series at UCF on May 14-16.
