USA – A.J. Morris went the distance and Justin Bloxom popped a go-ahead homer to help Kansas State end top-seeded Rice streak of 13 consecutive regional victories with a 7-6 win on Saturday night.

Morris (14-1) survived a four-run rally by the Owls (40-16) in the ninth to deal the Owls their first regional setback since 2004. Bloxom belted his third homer of the tournament in the eighth inning to give the Wildcats (43-16-1) a 4-3 lead.

Rice ace Ryan Berry (7-1) surrendered four runs and 11 hits in eight innings.

XAVIER 9, SAM HOUSTON STATE 6
Jordan Conley stroked three hits and threw 2 1/3 relief innings to guide Xavier past Sam Houston State in an elimination game.

Conley (2-1) began the game at shortstop before taking over on the mound. Xavier (39-20) got homers from Neil Lindgren and Bobby Freking.

Will Skelton (2-3) allowed one run and two hits over 3 2/3 innings for the Bearkats (36-24).

Photo courtesy of kwu.edu