ABILENE, Texas (Interstat) — Rice outslugged Abilene Christian 8-6 in a nonconference baseball game Saturday afternoon at Kimbrell Arena. The Owls (9-6) built an early lead and held off a late Wildcats (6-7) rally.

Rice starter Tanner Wiggins earned the win with 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, striking out one. Colin Robson led the Owls’ nine-hit attack with a 3-for-5 afternoon, including a solo home run. Garet Boehm drove in three runs, including two on a ninth-inning double.

Abilene Christian collected 11 hits, with Ryan Jones driving in two runs. Wildcats reliever Baron Mannis struck out four over three perfect innings. Rice used three sacrifice flies, while Abilene Christian had two.

The teams conclude their three-game series Sunday.