University of Houston Athletics
Tuesday, April 21
Houston, Texas
6:30 p.m.
University of Houston
at
Rice
PREVIEW: Baseball Clashes with Crosstown Foe Rice
4/20/2026 4:37:00 PM | Baseball
Cougars go for fifth consecutive Silver Glove Series win at Reckling Park
HOUSTON – Houston Baseball remains on the road but is back in Houston as it heads to Rice for the second game of the Silver Glove Series. First pitch at Reckling Park is slated for 6:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.
The Cougars trounced the Owls, 13-1, in eight innings in game one of the series. Houston has won the last seven meetings between the two teams and could clinch its fifth consecutive Silver Glove title with a victory on Tuesday.
The Silver Glove Series highlights the longstanding rivalry between the crosstown foes. The teams first met in 1948, Houston's second season of baseball, and have met on the diamond 204 times. The Cougars and Owls have met at least once annually since 1972, with the exception of the COVID-modified 2021 campaign.
Probable Pitchers
Quick Hitters
THE SERIES
Houston vs. Rice
SUPPORT THE COUGARS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Baseball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the Dugout Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Baseball for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarBB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Baseball. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at @uhcougarbb.
The Cougars trounced the Owls, 13-1, in eight innings in game one of the series. Houston has won the last seven meetings between the two teams and could clinch its fifth consecutive Silver Glove title with a victory on Tuesday.
The Silver Glove Series highlights the longstanding rivalry between the crosstown foes. The teams first met in 1948, Houston's second season of baseball, and have met on the diamond 204 times. The Cougars and Owls have met at least once annually since 1972, with the exception of the COVID-modified 2021 campaign.
| RICE | |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30 p.m. Houston | Reckling Park (Rice) ESPN+ | Stats | Tickets |
| Game Notes | Houston |
| Media Center | Notes, Record Book, Rosters, Box Scores |
Probable Pitchers
- Houston: RHP Caden Cooper
- Rice: RHP Ty Baker
Quick Hitters
- Houston has wins against #2 (Texas) and #4 (Alabama) in the NCAA's latest RPI release. The Cougars are the only Big 12 team with a Top 3 win, one of two with a Top 5 win and one of eight with five Quad One wins.
- Houston is 3-5 against ranked opponents this year, including significant wins against #2 Texas on March 24, #15 West Virginia on April 17 and #21 Wake Forest on Feb. 13.
- Three former Cougars were named to MLB Opening Day rosters: John King (Miami), Jared Triolo (Pittsburgh) and Connor Wong (Boston). Overall, 15 Cougars are on MLB or MiLB rosters to start their respective seasons, including an additional six at the Triple-A level.
- The Cougars play 11 different conferences including all of the Power 4 leagues. Houston has secured a win against an opponent from every Power 4 conference.
- Houston started the season with a 4-0 showing at the Puerto Rico Challenge, defeating No. 21 Wake Forest in the first NCAA Division I Baseball game of the season. The showing propelled the Cougars into the national spotlight, with the team receiving votes in the NCBWA Poll for the next four weeks.
- Houston captured its highest ranked win under Head Coach Todd Whitting as it downed #2 Texas on March 24.
- A year after leading the team with a .289 average in Big 12 play, senior Tyler Cox is back in front for the Cougars, pacing the squad with a .324 average against league foes. His success at the plate depends on his exceptional ability to make contact as he ranks third in the nation and first in the Big 12 among hitters who have seen 250 pitches with a 93.7 contact percentage.
- Junior Tre Broussard has been highly ranked on MLB Draft prospects lists. MLB.com put him at No. 46 on their first 2026 Top 100 Draft prospects list while FloBaseball tabbed him at 79th, and D1Baseball placed him at No. 65.
- The Cougars face a loaded schedule in 2026, battling five teams that finished 2025 in the Top 25 of RPI. The team will play 29 of its 55 games against teams that finished in the Top 50 of the NCAA's RPI and 25 games against teams that made the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The Cougars' strength of schedule for this season currently ranks at #29 as the team has played 12 Quad One games, winning five of them.
THE SERIES
Houston vs. Rice
- Overall: Rice leads 110-94
- At Houston: Houston leads 50-48
- At Rice: Rice leads 58-34
- At Neutral Site: Houston leads 7-4
- Unknown Sites: Houston leads 3-0
- Streak: Houston, 7 games
- Last UH Win: March 10, 2026 | Houston | 13-1 (8 innings)
- Last Rice Win: May 10, 2023 | Rice | 13-7
- Under Whitting: 25-22
- Last 5: WWWWW (5-0)
- Last 10: WWWWWWWLWW (9-1)
- Longest UH Win Streak: 9
- Longest Rice Win Streak: 16
- In Postseason: 4-7
- First Meeting: 1948
SUPPORT THE COUGARS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Baseball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the Dugout Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Baseball for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarBB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Baseball. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at @uhcougarbb.
– UHCougars.com –
Players Mentioned
Highlights: Houston 13, Texas Tech 10 (11 innings)
Friday, April 03
Highlights: Houston 8, Texas Tech 6
Thursday, April 02
Highlights: Houston 9, #2 Texas 7
Tuesday, March 24
Highlights: Houston 11, UTRGV 3
Friday, February 20