Rice completes WAC sweep of UH, 7-6, in 11 innings

Advertiser Staff

Hunter Brown's one-out double to right-center field scored Vincent Sinisi with the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning to lift No. 3 Rice over Hawai'i, 7-6, yesterday in Houston.

The Owls (35-8, 17-1 WAC) swept the series to extend their winning streak to seven before 2,653 at Reckling Park. They also swept the season series from the Rainbows (14-27, 3-12), who have dropped five in a row.

With one out in the bottom of the 11th against Bryan Lee (2-2), Sinisi reached first on a fielding error by shortstop Julian Russell. Then on a full count with the runner moving, Brown doubled home Sinisi to end the three-hour, 20- minute game.

Hawai'i snapped a 4-all tie with two runs in the top of the 10th, when an error and two singles loaded the bases with one out. A passed ball scored the first run and one out later, a single by Brent Cook made it 6-4.

But the Owls tied the game in the bottom of the 10th on a RBI double by Paul Janish, who later scored on a single by Chris Kolkhorst. The runs were charged to Aaron Pribble, who pitched 2á innings of relief of starter Ricky Bauer, who went 6¡ innings, allowing three runs.

Cook and Scooter Martines each had three hits for UH. They had three and two RBIs, respectively.

David Aardsma (6-1) allowed an unearned run in 1á innings of relief for the Owls.

The Rainbows return home today. They will play Fresno State Friday-Sunday.

• • •