April 4, 1998
LAS VEGAS - UNLV dropped two Western Athletic Conference games to the third-ranked Fresno State Bulldogs 3-9, 13-15 today at Rebel Diamond. The losses drop the Rebels to 15-15 overall and 9-7 in conference, while Fresno State goes to 25-4 overall and 12-0 in the WAC.
In game one UNLV gave up two quick runs in the first inning off a two-RBI double by Fresno State's second baseman Nina Lindenberg. The Bulldogs added four runs in the third to take the 6-0 advantage with the help of two Rebel errors. Julie Crandall put the Rebels on the board in the fourth inning with a solo home run, her first of two on the day and four in the last two days. Three more Bulldog runs in the seventh came on the strength of four singles and an error on UNLV second baseman Devon Ramos. UNLV was able to get a rally of its own going in the bottom half of the seventh as two Fresno State errors and a RBI-single by Stephanee Italiano scored two runs to make the final 9-3.
In the nightcap UNLV spotted the Bulldogs four runs in the first inning. The first two Bulldog batters reached base on singles and were driven in on Lindenberg's three-run homer. Alicia Dowland later drove in Jaime Maxey for the 4-0 score. Crandall's second home run came in the second inning as she put the Rebels within three runs at 4-1. After giving up a run in the third, UNLV was able to pull to within one run at 4-5 when Raven Coberg hit her fourth home run of the season, a three-run shot over the left field fence. After giving up seven runs in the top of the fifth the Rebels were three outs from losing the game by way of the eight-run mercy rule. The team rallied to score five runs in its half of the fifth, aided by three walks and four Rebel hits. With the score at 12-9, Fresno State, the two teams entered the seventh inning. Fresno State was able to increase its lead when first baseman Amanda Scott hit a three-run shot to centerfield. UNLV would not go away however, using four runs of its own to pull to within two before finally succumbing by the score of 13-15.
The Rebels will be on the road next week as they travel to Long Beach State and Cal State Fullerton for two non-conference matchups on April 7 & 8. The next game at Rebel Diamond will take place Tuesday, April 21 against San Diego State at noon.
