Western Kentucky starting pitcher Ryan Thurston worked into the sixth inning with nine strikeouts, but the Hilltoppers dropped a 4-0 decision at Rice on Friday night.
WKU's Kevin Lambert singled in the eighth inning, while Steven Kraft and Tyler Robertson extended their on-base streaks to 12 and nine, respectively, with walks. The Hilltoppers had just one hit.
With nine strikeouts, Thurston reached 258 for his career at WKU. The lefty started the night fifth all-time, but passed Grady Hinchman (250, 2002-05) and Heath Haynes (253, 1988-91) and now sits third in program history.
Through the first five frames, Thurston got by with only one run allowed.