LAS VEGAS - The UNLV baseball team ended a seven-game losing streak with a 12-6 victory over Santa Clara in the first round of the UNLV/Coors Desert Classic Thursday.

The Rebels (4-10) collected 21 hits on the evening, five of which were produced by senior first baseman Tony DeMarco. DeMarco went 5-for-5 on the evening and drove in three runs, marking the fourth time in his career and second time this season he has collected five hits in a game.

Designated hitter Trent Kitsch also had a big night for the Rebels offensively, going 4-for-5 with four runs scored and hitting his third home run of the year.

Sophomore Joe Maruffi pitched six solid innings for the Rebels, scattering six hits and allowing three runs. He picked up his second victory of the season.

UNLV never trailed in the game and avoided Santa Clara's (3-9) only real threat in the seventh. Freshman Donnie Watts came on to relieve a bases-loaded jam and finished the game to pick up his first save.

Both teams will continue play in the Desert Classic on Friday. Santa Clara will face Oregon State in a 12 noon game at Henderson's Burkholder Field while the Rebels will entertain upstate rivals Nevada, Reno at 5:00 p.m. at Wilson Stadium.