Rice mounted the first threat in the top of the first, as Tyler Henley led off with a single and Brian Friday followed with a bunt single to put two on with one out. Josh Rodriguez also drew a walk in the inning, but a runner thrown out trying to advance on a wild pitch and a Joe Savery strike out ended the threat.

Trey Sutton led of the Southern Miss half of the first with a single, but never advanced past first base as Bobby Bell retired the side.

Golden Eagle starter Ryan Belanger struggled again to start the second. Aaron Luna led off with a single and eventually moved to third on an error and fly ball, and Kenny Ford drew a walk to put runners on the corners with two outs. Tyler Henley broke the ice with an RBI double to right, and Greg Buchanan drove in two runs with a single.

Fans for both teams have had issues with home plate umpire Scott Wilkerson, as neither the gold-clad visitors or home standing blue and grey have liked his strike zone. It all works out in the end, right? Both sides of the crowd have been enthusiastic so far, which could partially be a result of the cooler temperatures due to the setting sun. Not too bad weather-wise in Houston thus far, as the highs have been around 90 and not a drop of rain on the horizon.