Houston and Rice Win NCAA Openers

The Houston Cougars and Rice Owls both rallied late Friday night to win their opening games in the NCAA tournament.

In Baton Rouge, Houston won on a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th inning.  The Cougars knocked off Bryant 3-2.  They will face Regional host LSU and Anthony Nola on Saturday night at 7 pm.

In Houston, Rice scored six runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to come from behind and defeat George Mason, 7-2.  George Mason had scored twice in the top of the eighth to take a 2-1 lead.  Rice is scheduled to meet Texas for the fourth time this season Saturday night at 7 pm.

My Son is Gonna be the Next Tebow

I recently was forwarded a link to this article about youth sports.  Reading it inspired the following poetic attempt.  The basic premise of the poem is that a father is responding to advice from his pastor to dial back on youth sports for his son.

My Son is Gonna Be the Next Tebow

What's that, pastor? Yes, I think he's old enough
To focus on a goal like this although the way is tough
There's many roads to some things
But to greatness, there's just one
And greatness is the only thing that I'll take for my son

My son is gonna be the next Tebow
I believe that that's what God has planned
I've had a vision of his right arm
Bringing glory to Jesus
All throughout the land

I hear your concerns for his health and his head
The sport my son's called to is violence-fed
When hits make him weak,
He will be in the hand
Of the One who is stronger than we understand

What of his time with family?
Will he have room for friends?
I know he only has a finite count of hours to spend
Yet, if he spends those hours with his eyes set upon God's side,
I'm confident those other things, Our Father will provide.

My son is gonna be the next Tebow
I believe that that's what God has planned
I've had a vision of his right arm
Bringing glory to Jesus
All throughout the land

I hear what you're saying, Reverend
But I disagree
And raising of my son, you know, is really up to me
He has gift to use, a mission to fulfill
We will not be distracted as we do the Father's will.

La Tortuga Back with Astros' Organization

Slowly and surely, Erick Abreu made his way back to the Houston farm system.  Abreu, affectionately known as La Tortuga in some quarters, is listed as a bullpen coach for the Astros Dominican League entry which begins play on Saturday.

Abreu,30, spent four seasons(2009-2012) pitching in the Astros' system.  His time with the Houston organization peaked at AAA; however, he pitched a large majority of his innings for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks.  He leads the Corpus Christi franchise in career wins(23), strikeouts(302), and appearances(127).

Watch the Owls or watch the Cougars? The Choice is Yours Friday

Rice and Houston's baseball teams are kicking off their NCAA Tournament appearances at the same time on Friday night, and both games are viewable online via ESPN 3.   The Cougars and Owls are scheduled to play at 7 pm Houston time.

Houston will be in Baton Rouge where they will take on the Bryant Bulldogs from the Northeast Conference. Rice will host George Mason from the Atlantic 10 at Reckling Park.

NOTE:  Brett Dolan(@brettdolan24) is slated to be calling the games in Baton Rouge.