Tanner Wiggins pitched a dominant three-hit shutout, and Paul Smith led an explosive 18-hit performance as Rice defeated Tulane 12-0 at Reckling Park. The Owls took an early lead with three runs in the first inning, and continued to extend it with consistent scoring through the game. Wiggins’ strong pitching helped secure the shutout, marking a key victory for Rice as they seek to clinch playoff positioning in the conference.

By the Numbers
  • Wiggins threw a three-hit shutout, marking the Owls' first shutout since May 2, 2025.
  • Rice had 18 hits, the most in a conference game since 2018.
  • Smith hit his 12th home run, contributing to a total of four RBIs in the game.
  • The 12-run margin is the largest shutout for Rice since a 15-0 victory in 2016.
  • Rice improved to 32-22 for the season, with a 14-11 record in the American Conference.
State of Play
  • Rice is currently positioned to secure a winning season in the American Conference after struggling in previous years.
  • They are within two games of conference leader UTSA and one game behind ECU for the playoffs.
  • Rice has a five-game home winning streak, enhancing their momentum for the remainder of the season.
What's Next

Rice looks to secure the series against Tulane in the second game on Friday, followed by the season finale on Saturday. Continued strong performances like Wiggins' and Smith's will be critical as they aim for favorable playoff positioning.

Bottom Line

Rice's decisive victory against Tulane not only secures a winning record in conference play but also highlights a significant turnaround for the program, showcasing key player performances that could be critical for their postseason aspirations.