UH dropped the final two games of the series against Rice, ceding possession of the Silver Glove again. | Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar
Despite a win in the opening game of the series for UH, Rice took the remaining two games in a convincing manner to win the Silver Glove again.
After winning 8-7 in the first game, UH then fell 4-0 Saturday and 11-1 Sunday.
The third game of the series saw Rice storm out early and never look back as they scored enough runs, 11, to qualify to have the game called by the end of the seventh inning.
Five UH pitchers were used, but only senior Matt Hernandez lasted longer than three innings. Rice pitcher John Simms got the complete game win after giving up only six hits and one run.
Following Sunday’s loss, coaches and players were not made available for comment.
During game one, junior righthander Daniel Poncedeleon got his fifth win of the season. Redshirt sophomore shortstop Frankie Ratcliff got three hits and three RBIs to lead UH to the win.
Game two saw senior righthander Austin Pruitt pitch well until the ninth when he allowed three runs, giving the Owls their 4-0 winning margin. Rice pitcher Austin Kubitza was able to hold UH scoreless through seven innings. Rice sophomore pitcher Zech Lemond shut the Cougars out for the final two innings.
After the game, the All-Silver Glove Series team was announced with six Cougars making the squad. Freshman second baseman Josh Vidales, freshman first baseman Justin Montemayor, Ratcliff and junior third baseman Jonathan Davis made it from the infield. From the outfield, freshman outfielder Kyle Survance was selected and senior pitcher Austin Pruitt also made the team.
The series saw Survance extend his hitting streak to eight games. Montemayor was able to continue his streak of reaching base safely to 12 games. Ratcliff has reached base safely in 13 consecutive games.
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