Feb. 8, 2002

LAS VEGAS - A four-run ninth-inning rally was not enough to help UNLV overcome a dominating pitching performance by Nevada, Reno starter Darrell Rasner as the Wolf Pack earned a 10-4 win in the opener of a three-game series between the in-state rivals at Earl E. Wilson Stadium Friday.

The Rebels fell to 2-2 while the 35th-ranked Wolf Pack improved to 3-1.

Using a five-run third inning, UNR cruised to a big lead as Rasner struck out 10 and walked only one while giving up four hits and no runs in seven innings of work. He lowered his ERA to 0.69 in 13 innings this season.

After three strong outings by the UNLV pitching staff in the season-opening series vs. California, starter Robbie Van was hit hard, giving up five runs, all earned, in two innings. Van, who fell to 0-2, was pulled in the third inning after facing three batters and not recording an out.

Four Rebel pitchers also combined to hit three batters and commit four balks on the night. UNR's 14 hits included two off of Silverado High School graduate James Wickman, who made his collegiate debut with 1.2 innings in relief, giving up two unearned runs.

With the Pack ahead 10-0, UNLV scored four times off reliever George Moran and had the bases loaded with two outs when third baseman Tony Schuler grounded out to end the game.

The Rebels were led offensively by shortstop Ryan Ruiz, who finished 3-3 with one RBI. Donnie Watts pitched 4.1 innings in relief of Van and surrendered only one run.

The two teams meet again Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.