Feb. 16, 2002

FULLERTON, Calif. - The UNLV baseball team was again overpowered by No. 16 Cal State Fullerton, falling 16-1 at Goodwin Field on Saturday afternoon. The loss drops the Rebels to 4-4 on the season, while the Titans improve to 5-3.

UNLV starter Jared Bonnell (0-1) gave up nine earned runs on seven hits in 2.2 innings of work to earn the loss.

Donnie Watts and Chad Harris came in for relief, each throwing two-thirds of an inning. Watts gave up three runs on three hits, while Harris gave up two runs on two hits.

James Wickman finished the game on the mound for the Rebels. He pitched the final 4.0 innings, giving up only two runs with one strikeout.

The Rebels were unable to match the offensive output of the Titans, managing only one run on six hits in the contest.

Ryan Ruiz went 2-for-2 in the game with two doubles and two walks. Garett Shitanishi also added a pair of hits in the game, finishing 2-for-4.

The Rebels' only run came in the fifth inning on a bases-loaded double-play that scored Robert VanKirk. He reached on a single to center field

VanKirk and David Trujillo each added a single hit in the game.

The Titans' Darric Merrell (2-0) pitched 6.0 innings, giving up one run on six hits for the win. Left fielder Shane Costa led Fullerton offensively, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

The teams return for the third and final game of the series at 1 p.m. on Sunday.