Howell’s Strong Start, Late Surge Lift Memphis Over Rice, 4-1

Friday, April 17

Houston, Texas

6:35 p.m.

University of Memphis

13-23, 5-8

Rice

24-15, 7-6

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Memphis	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	2	0	4	6	0
Rice	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	4	1

Howell’s Strong Start, Late Surge Lift Memphis Over Rice, 4-1

Apr 17, 2026 | Baseball

Box Score

HOUSTON, Texas. – The University of Memphis (13-23, 5-8 American) baseball team used a late offensive surge and dominant pitching to defeat Rice (24-15, 7-6 American), 4-1, on Friday night at Reckling Park.

Memphis scored all four of its runs over the final four innings while holding the Owls to just one run on four hits. The Tigers were outhit early but capitalized on timely hitting and a key defensive miscue to secure the conference victory.

Will Howell (4-5) earned the win after delivering a spectacular outing on the mound, while Brayden Sharp (3-2) took the loss for Rice. Carson Fair picked up his seventh save of the season.

Memphis will be back in action tomorrow for game two of the series against Rice. The Tigers will look to claim their first conference series win with Saturday's game set to start at 2:05 p.m.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Rice struck first in the bottom of the opening inning with an RBI single to take a 1-0 lead.
Memphis was held scoreless through the first five innings before breaking through in the sixth. Michael Gupton delivered an RBI single to score Brady McAbee and tie the game at 1-1.
The Tigers took the lead in the seventh inning. Cade Hitson reached base and later scored on a Rice throwing error, giving Memphis a 2-1 advantage.
Memphis added insurance in the eighth inning when Shane Cox launched a two-run home run, extending the lead to 4-1.
The pitching staff, including a seven inning start from Will Howell, closed the door after allowing just one run in the first, holding Rice scoreless over the final eight innings.

NOTABLES

Memphis starting pitcher Will Howell pitched a gem on the mound, allowing one run on just three hits over seven innings of work while striking out two.
- Howell achieved the longest outing of his career and did so on just 94 total pitches.
- From two outs in the third to the first out of the eighth inning Howell retired 15 straight Rice batters.
Freddy Rodriguez stole a base for the Tigers, bringing the team's season total to 88 steals, which ranks in the top 25 nationally and first in the conference.
- Rodriguez increased his season total to 30.
- He ranks first in the conference and fifth in the nation.
- Rodriguez is 10 bags away from breaking Memphis' all-time single-season stolen base record (39).
Center fielder Michael Gupton continued his hot streak with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate.
- Gupton recorded his 11^th multi-hit game and his ninth double of the year.
- In his last three games, Gupton is a combined 8-for-13 with five RBI and two homers.
- Gupton's team totals now stand at 43 hits (most), .316 AVG (highest), 10 home runs (most), 21 extra-base hits (most) and 35 RBI (most).
Catcher Brady McAbee logged a 2-for-5 night with a run scored.
- McAbee hit his second double of the season and earned his fifth multi-hit game.
The Memphis pitching staff relieved Will Howell in the eighth inning and sealed the win for the Tigers
- Caden Robinson made his fourth appearance this season and pitched a scoreless inning, allowing just one hit.
- Closer Carson Fair entered the game in the ninth pitched a scoreless frame of his own, allowing no hits and striking out one.
  - Fair recorded his seventh save of the season, second most in the American.

SCORING SUMMARY

Bottom 1:
JC Davis singled to left center, Colin Robson scored.
Memphis 0, Rice 1

Top 6:
Michael Gupton singled, Brady McAbee scored.
Memphis 1, Rice 1

Top 7:
Javon Hernandez reached on a fielder's choice, Cade Hitson scored on a throwing error.
Memphis 2, Rice 1

Top 8:
Shane Cox homered, Jack Little scored.
Memphis 4, Rice 1

UP NEXT

Memphis will face the Owls again Saturday, where they will play for the series victory, first pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Baseball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.