HOUSTON -- Third ranked Rice had to score four runs in the seventh inning to rally past Sam Houston State for a 6-2 victory over the Bearkats at Reckling Park Tuesday night in Houston.

Starting pitcher Jon Lindenberger allowed the Owls only three hits in five innings while striking out five Rice batters. Meanwhile, Heath Pugh's
run-scoring single and a throwing error gave the Bearkats a 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth.

Rice tied the scored with runs in the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings.

Left fielder Jared Gayhart's two-run triple in the seventh brought home the winning runs.

Casey Springer (3-2) was the loser for Sam Houston in relief. Stephen Price and Zac Baker also each saw an inning of work in relief.

Rice (34-11) ended the evening with seven hits. Jess Buenger accounted for two RBIs and Brian Friday brought in the fifth.

Sam Houston's two-run fifth inning began with a double by Austin Boggs. Todd Sebek singled and Boggs scored on a throwing error by the pitcher. Pugh's single scored Sebek from second.

Bobby Bramhall (4-2) was the winner in relief for Rice.

Sam Houston State (27-16) returns to Don Sanders Stadium for a three-game Southland Conference weekend series with league-leading Texas-San Antonio which begins Friday at 6:30 p.m.