Nobody could stop the Rice offense. Alex White only lasted 1.1 innings while giving up six runs and five hits, in another ineffective postseason start, his third in a row. Matt Danford came in and gave up three runs (two earned) in 2.1 innings. Tyler Trice lasted 0.2 innings, giving up two runs and two hits, Rob Wooten went 1.2 giving up two hits but no runs, Matt Cox didn't allow a hit in 0.2 innings, but did give up a run, Mike Facchinei didn't record an out while walking one and allowing a hit, Rob Catapano went 1.1 innings of perfect baseball with a strikeout, and finally, catcher turned pitcher Tim Federowicz finished things off going an inning, while allowing a homerun to Aaron Luna, accounting for the two earned runs.

That's a lot of pitchers, and a lot of pitches thrown, with the pitching staff accounting for 179 pitches.

Meanwhile Joe Savery is your winner, tossing six innings of seven hit ball, giving up four runs, striking out four and walking three. He struggled early, but really got going and picked up his 11th win of the season against only one loss.

This win is so huge, but the Owls can't get complacent. They were in this position last year after winning their first two games, but then that's when the offense went cold, not scoring for the final 23 innings they were in Omaha a year ago.

But it's hard to imagine this offense slowing down. They have put up 29 runs in their first two ball games, with 15 coming against Louisville and now 14 tonight. Every starter in the lineup had a hit and an RBI. That's when you know things are going well. It's not just one guy. That's why it's real hard to hand out the player of the game. I guess I'll give it to Savery for the mere fact that he got the win and also had two hits and an RBI (he opened the scoring in the second).

It's kind of discouraging for the Tar Heels. They fell a game short last year against the Beavers, and Alex White has hit a freshman wall the last three weeks. His postseason numbers are straight awful, and now the Tar Heels will be on the brink against the other hot hitting club here in Omaha, in Louisville.

So what's this mean?

It means Rice is in the driver's seat and has two days off to enjoy the sights and sounds of Omaha. North Carolina now has a date with Louisville on Tuesday to fight for their lives. It's going to be a tough road back to the championship series now, but this team is capable if they could get some poitching.

Worst sign for the Tar Heels.

Another freshman may have hit the wall too. Dustin Ackley, the freshman of the year, was 0-for-5 to bring his postseason slump to an even bigger level. His average is down to .406 and it's dropping fast. Mike Fox is going to need Ackley to get his second wind, especially if he's going to keep batting him in the No. 3 spot in that lineup.

Couple of quick notes. The attendance tonight was 22,602, and we are on pace to break last year's record attendance total for the two weeks.

In a way I feel like the baseball gods repaid us today with a couple of real laughers. Louisville jumped on top early and sent home Mississippi State, while Rice did the same.

Well, they are shutting down the lights, and the tarp is on the field. They are expecting rain in the morning which is going to put a damper on the media softball game. That would be a huge downer. I've got the glove and the cleats out here in Omaha, and you'd be treated to a video too if the game is played.

Unfortunately the Going Yard goes will not be playing, as they will be following Louisville to an Air Force Base as their off-day activity.

So, one final time, your final score from Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Rice 14, North Carolina 4. Good night everybody, and see you tomorrow (if I don't pull something severely in the morning).