WICHITA, Kan. -- Wichita State broke open a close game late with three consecutive multi-run innings in a 13-3 win over Rice on Sunday afternoon at Eck Stadium.

The game was called in the bottom of the seventh by the 10-run rule when Jayson Jones launched a two-out, three-run homer. It is Wichita State's seventh run-rule victory of the season.

The Shockers (26-19, 10-8) maintained sole possession of fourth place in the American Conference standings with the victory. The top four teams receive a bye in the conference tournament, with the top two earning a double bye.

Wichita State starter Caleb Reed delivered an excellent performance in his first start of the season, working scoreless ball into the fifth before exiting after allowing one run over 4.1 innings. The right-hander struck out four and walked three, allowing four hits.

The WSU offense staked him to an early lead with a three-run second inning. Jack Quick opened the scoring with a booming 473-foot two-run homer and later in the inning Ethan Gonzalez rifled an RBI single to give the Shockers a 3-0 edge.

After Rice finally knocked Reed from the game with a run in the top of the fifth, the Shocker bullpen stepped up to stem the tide. Heitaro Hayashi (1-1) struck out the only man he faced with two runners in scoring position, then Amar Tsengeg followed with a strikeout of his own to squelch the scoring threat.

A Jayson Jones RBI double and Nolan Ganter sacrifice fly in the home half of the inning pushed the advantage to 5-1.

Rice (25-20, 8-10) clawed back a run in the sixth when pinch-hitter JC Davis beat out a fielder's choice grounder with the bases loaded, but Tsengeg prevented further damage by inducing a double play. The Shockers then poured in four runs of their own, highlighted by a Gonzalez solo homer and an RBI double from Owen Washburn for a 9-2 lead.

The Owls made one last push in the top of the seventh, scoring a run and putting two more men on base with just one out, but Brady Pacha retired the next two hitters to send the game to the seventh inning stretch with a 9-3 margin.

Two singles and a hit by pitch gave the Shockers an opportunity for a walk-off in the bottom of the seventh, and they took advantage as Josh Wulfert lifted a sacrifice fly and Jones followed with a line drive that just cleared the wall in left-center to end the game.

Ryland Urbanczyk (3-3) took the loss for Rice, allowing three runs over 2.0 innings. Four Rice relievers all allowed at least one run.

The Shockers are back in action on Tuesday night for their final midweek game of the season against Kansas. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm CT.