SAN ANTONIO — Karan Patel allowed an unearned run on just one hit over five innings of action, but Rice outlasted UTSA, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon at Roadrunner Field.
Patel (1-2) worked five complete innings against the Owls and gave up Rice’s only run of the game. The right-hander retired 10 consecutive batters to begin the game before giving up a hit in the fourth. The Houston native struck out five now leads the team with 26 this spring.
UTSA (10-9, 1-2 C-USA) was held scoreless for the first time this season despite outhitting Rice, 6-3. All but three players registered a hit.
The Owls (10-9, 2-1 C-USA) scored their lone run in the fourth inning after a throwing error to third allowed Ryan Chandler to cross home plate.
Rice starter Ricardo Salinas earned the win in 5.2 innings of action. Salinas scattered six hits and recorded five strikeouts while issuing five walks. Reliever Glenn Otto picked up his third save of the season after tossing the final 3.1 innings. Otto registered a game-high eight strikeouts and struck out the side to end the game.
UTSA will put its perfect Tuesday night record on the line when it returns to action this week at Texas. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the game will be televised on the Longhorn Network.