After day one of the 2011 NCAA baseball tournament it’s pretty clear as to who is the most dominant team in the Houston regional. That would be to the Rice Owls, who absolutely smothered Alcorn St. on Friday by a score of 14-2 at Reckling Park.
Rice had 22 hits against the Braves, scoring at least one run in every inning played except the first and the fourth. Seven Owls had RBI’s, lead by right fielder Ryan Lewis who went 4-6 with 3 RBI on the day. Rice is ranked eighth in the NCAA rankings and were a bit out of Alcorn State’s league, but their play is very impressive, full of potential draftees for the MLB next week; including third baseman Anthony Rendon, number one on Keith Law’s top 50.
Baylor’s win over Cal sets up a meeting with Rice tomorrow in the Houston regional, while Cal and Alcorn State will battle it out for tournament survival. Baylor and Rice will be at 4 p.m. PT Saturday afternoon while Cal and Alcorn State will be at noon.
Coverage for Cal will be broadcast on KALX 90.7 FM.