Rice caps perfect tourney; Tech tops TCU
Published on March 11, 2007 under Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - The eighth-ranked Rice Owls completed a three-game sweep at the Whataburger College Classic, defeating Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Sunday afternoon 2-1. Texas Tech grabbed second place in the tournament, beating TCU 4-1 in the first game.
Pitching and defense was the story in the weekend finale. Ryne Tacker (2-0) entered the game in relief of Rice starter Joe Savery and held the Islanders scoreless over the final five frames. Tacker allowed three hits and struck out five.
The Owls also benefited from a season-best four double plays.
With the score tied at one in the eighth, Diego Seastrunk broke through for Rice (14-7) with an RBI single to right field, bringing Jared Gayhart around from second base.
Islander starter Omar Gutierrez (2-1) suffered the loss, despite stringing together 7 1/3 quality innings. The junior transfer from nearby Sinton allowed two runs, scattered seven hits and did not walk a batter.
Rice jumped out 1-0 when Savery knocked a double to left, plating Tyler Henley in the fourth inning. The Islanders battled back in the fifth with a leadoff double by Martin Parra, who later scored on a 4-6-3 double play.
Trae Williams and Chase Wheaton both went 2-for-4 at the plate for TAMUCC (12-9). Jason Graham was 2-for-3 with a walk.
Senior left-hander Colt Hynes grabbed the spotlight in Sunday's noon game, going the distance in leading the Red Raiders to victory. Hynes (2-1) allowed a run on six hits and did not walk a batter.
Tech (15-7) took a 2-0 lead in the first on an RBI double by Doug Thennis and a
run-scoring single off the bat of Geoff Byrns. Senior shortstop Kyle Martin gave the Raiders a 4-0 bulge in the sixth when he blasted a two-run home run, his seventh of the year.
TCU's lone run came in the seventh when sophomore left fielder Matt Vern scored on an inside-the-park homer. His drive to left-center caused a collision between Byrns, the left fielder, and Thennis, who plays center. As was the case in 2006, TCU finished 1-2 in tournament play. The Horned Frogs fell to 11-6 overall.
A total of 17,138 attended the Second Annual Whataburger College Classic.
Texas League Stories from March 11, 2007
- Rice caps perfect tourney; Tech tops TCU - Corpus Christi Hooks
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