ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — Anthony Diaz struck out nine over six no-hit innings and Paul Smith hit a two-run homer in the first as Rice held off Abilene Christian 5-4 on Friday night at Kimbrell Arena.

Diaz allowed one earned run, issuing several walks before a wild pitch and a two-run double by Diego Cardenas in the third cut Rice’s lead to 5-3. The Owls (8-6) added insurance with RBI singles from Jacob Devenny in the seventh and Nathan Boehm in the eighth.

The Wildcats (6-6) threatened in the ninth, scoring on a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded before Tanner Wiggins recorded the final out. Rice pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts. Brett Lanman took the loss for Abilene Christian despite six strong innings.