HOUSTON – The No. 18 Louisiana Tech baseball team dropped a narrow, 4-2 decision to the Rice Owls on Saturday afternoon from Reckling Park in front of 2,982.
 
The Bulldogs put together a late rally, plating two runs – one on a solo home run from Tanner Huddleston and a second on an RBI single from Chris Clayton to begin the ninth inning.
 
Trailing now, 4-2, with runners on first and second, Tech designated hitter Manny Garcia popped up a sac bunt in front of the pitcher's mound. The ball appeared to be trapped by a diving Brandt Frazier at first, but the home plate umpire, Ned Davenport, ruled that the ball had been caught. Rice then threw behind Netterville at second, and tagged out Clayton, ending the game via triple play.
 
For most of the game, both teams were held off the scoreboard in the second consecutive pitcher's duel of the series.
 
Tech starter Logan Robbins made it just two outs into the third inning, before giving way to long reliever/starter David Leal. The senior was strong through his first three innings of relief, before the Owls struck first.
 
In the bottom of the seventh, Rice struck for the first runs of the game. The no. 9 hitter in Aaron Beaulaurier, led off the frame with a double to left, followed by a single to center from leadoff man Braden Comeaux. After Comeaux moved to second on a wild pitch, Rice right fielder Bradley Gneiting plated the first two runs of the game via a two-RBI single to right center field. Later in the inning, an RBI groundout plated the third run of the frame, giving Rice a 3-0 lead after seven complete.
 
After the Owls pushed across three in the seventh, the Tech offense built a substantial threat against Rice starter, Evan Kravetz.  With one out, Mason Robinson reached on an infield single and advanced to second via a throwing error at third. Hunter Wells then worked a walk, and Taylor Young singled loading the bases, and chasing Kravetz from the game.
 
Kendal Jeffries entered the game to pitch to Tech's leading hitter Mason Mallard, and induced a double play, as the Tech first baseman lined out sharply right at the second baseman, leaving the bases loaded, and keeping Tech off the board.
 
Rice starter Kravetz picked up the win, improving to 4-2, while Leal fell to 1-1. Garrett Gayle allowed a hit in the ninth, and picked up his third save of the year.
 
The Bulldogs and Owls will conclude the weekend series tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. from Reckling Park.