An early start with a rain storm threatening doesn't stop Rice Owl fans. Good morning, all. It's time for Rice baseball and a chance to win another series if the Owls can beat the Pirates today.

I know most of you are asleep, but play like you're awake and we can pull the Owls through again. It's Wayne Graham's birthday so we better win. JP is talking like we might not be able to get in nine today but I can't tell sitting here in San Antonio rather than populating section II with seven other Rice zealots.

Go Owls

Play ball!

So far the rain has stayed to the west and north of town. But it does appear that the rain may continue to build during the day?

Happy 78th birthday Coach Graham.

JP says it's a murky hazy day ... and there's a film on the field.

Go Owls!!!

JP promises the lineup but forgets to give it. Here he gives it out of order. The usual suspects plus Teykl at second and Stainback at short. I see Teykl is batting third with Ewing moved to fifth. Williamson patrols center instead of Warren. McDowell has a 1-2-3. First.

Happy birthday to Professor Graham.

We should play abbreviated rules - 2 strikes and you're out. Top of the first inning went a very quick 1-2-3.

Going to B1 no score

McDowell is his own DH today. No inside the park homeruns, please.

Lucroy, the ECU pitcher, currently is sporting a 5.48 ERA, giving us hope for a major offensive showing.

He comes from a pretty talented baseball family though. His brother Jonathan is a solid catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Cook walks, Hoelscher hits into a DP, Teykl goes to 3-2 before flying out. To the second we go, 0-0.

Inning two begins with a hit for Townsend, a force at second and a balk. Then a pop to Teykl and the Yorgen follows with the question, "what is a Yorgen?" Don't know but he Ks.

I think the Yorgen is a carnivorous donkey of the Pampas.

Graham holds a quick team meeting in front of the dugout in the middle of the second. 0-0 with Rice up to bat

Reeves opens the bottom of the second with a fly to left. Ewing grounds to short. McDowell walks. Stainback pops to center and we go to the third. Hmm. That Owl offensive outbreak must be just around the corner.

JP says a light rain has begun. Umps conferring. Play resumes.

McDowell is moving right along and we go to the bottom of the third with no score I mean, fully alert, we move to the . Oh I already said that.

Aquino doubles off the Comcast sign!

Aquino doubles to lead off. Williamson to bunt?