Crockett allowed just seven hits while walking two batters. The Crimson, though, failed to convert with runners in scoring position.

Trailing 1-0, Harvard loaded the bases in the second inning on consecutive walks by sophomore first baseman Trey Hendricks and Mann, followed by a single by Kropf. But the Crimson couldn’t score.

Lopez chopped a grounder back to pitcher David Aardsma, who threw home to force out Hendricks. Senior second baseman Faiz Shakir popped up to end the threat.

The Crimson stranded 10 runners in the game as Aardsma picked up the win.

Harvard’s lone run came in the sixth. Mager reached on an error and junior center fielder Bryan Hale doubled to right field to put men on second and third. Carter singled to drive in Mager and tie the game at 1-1.

With runners on the corners and no outs, Hordon lined out to third baseman Paul Janish, who doubled up Carter at first. Kropf flied out to end the inning.

Rice 8, Harvard 3

Playing in its season opener, Harvard jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, but struggled at the plate through the middle innings as winning pitcher Justin Crowder recovered to hold the Crimson to just four hits in six innings of work.

But down 8-2 with one out and little hope of a comeback, Hendricks gave Harvard something to cheer about in the ninth.

Playing in his hometown of Houston, Hendricks drove a line shot off of the scoreboard, giving the Crimson its only homerun of the weekend.

Senior Justin Nyweide (0-1) took the loss for Harvard.

With one out in the first, Mager picked up Harvard’s first hit of the season with a base hit to the right side. He advanced to second on a throwing error and scored on a single to left by Carter.

Harvard scored its second run on a sacrifice fly by Kropf in the seventh that plated Hendricks.

Over spring break, the Crimson will travel to Homestead, Fla. to play 13 games in nine days.