May 20, 2001

HOUSTON -- TCU's Greg Bratton had three hits, including his first home run of the season, but it was not enough as the Rice Owls defeated TCU, 5-2 Sunday at Reckling Park. Rice improves to 43-17 overall, while TCU ends the season with a 32-28 mark.

Eric Arnold homered, doubled and drove in three runs to lead the Owls to the win. Rice jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, scoring twice in the first on three hits, including a sacrifice fly by Arnold. In the third, Arnold's two-run home run increased the lead to 4-1. Arnold also doubled and scored in the eighth.

Bratton played a key role in both TCU runs. He homered in the eighth, his first of the season. The Frogs only other run came in the third when Rudy Rivera doubled and scored on Bratton's single to center field. TCU had several chances, but they were unable to come up with the big hit as the Owls turned double plays in the fourth and sixth innings. In the seventh inning, TCU loaded the bases on a Cade Harris single, a walk to Jason Price and a single by Mike Settle. Rice reliever Phillip Tribe, who entered the game in the sixth, struck out Rivera and Ramon Moses to end the inning.

TCU starter Justin Crowder allowed four runs on eight hits in six innings. Rice starter Steven Herce picked up the win, allowing one run on three hits in five innings of work. Phillip Barzilla pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his 10th save of the year.

Game Linescore		123	456	789	R-H-E
TCU			001	000	010	2-8-0
Rice			202	000	01x	5-10-0

Justin Crowder, Stan Newton (7) and Jason Price, Austen Watkins. Steven
Herce, Phillip Tribe, Phillip Barzilla and Phillip Ghutzman. Winning Pitcher
- Herce (5-1).  Losing Pitcher - Crowder (7-6). Save - Barzilla (10). 2B -
TCU-Rivera. Rice-Arnold, Lorsbach. HR- TCU-Bratton (1). Arnold (14). Time:
2:11. Attn: 2642.