Feb. 1, 2001

Box Score

HOUSTON - Jesse Roman's solo home run in the bottom of the tenth inning provided the only offense as No. 12 Rice defeated No. 17 Baylor 1-0 Thursday night in the first game of the Astros College Classic at Enron Field.

The contest was highlighted by superb pitching from both clubs. Josh Scott for Baylor (0-1) threw seven scoreless innings, giving up four hits and two walks, while striking out two. Justin Taylor (0-1) came in to start the eighth inning and had struck out four before giving up the home run to Roman.

Rice (1-0) had an equally impressive outing from starter Kenny Baugh, who pitched eight shutout innings and struck out eight.

The Bears had several earlier chances to put runs on the board. Matt Williams led off the top of the second with a single to left. Kelly Shoppach then singled down the right field line advancing Williams to third. However, Chris Durbin then struck out swinging, Ron Zboril popped up to the shortstop and Mark Saccomanno popped out to the catcher ending the threat.

Rice's biggest threat prior to the tenth inning came in the bottom of the sixth. With one out Bubba Gentry doubled down the left field line. After an Enrique Cruz walk, A.J. Porfirio singled up the middle to load the bases. Hunter Brown then hit into an inning-ending double play.

With one out in the tenth inning, Roman hit a three-one fastball into the Baylor bullpen in right center to end the game. Phillip Barzilla (1-0) received the win after pitching an inning and a third, striking out two.

Baylor continues action in the tournament Friday at 3 p.m. against Houston.