March 30, 2002

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV baseball team put big numbers on the board to win game two of the series with New Mexico on Saturday afternoon, as the Rebels down the Lobos 23-2.

With the win, the Rebels improve to 13-15, 3-5 in Mountain West Conference play. New Mexico falls to 15-16 on the season, 5-3 in the MWC.

UNLV's Ryan Ruiz was just a single shy of hitting for the cycle in the contest. Ruiz was walked in his final at-bat to finish the game 3-for-5 with two RBIs and four runs scored. Brad Hertel also homered in the win.

Brent Johnson was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with three RBIs and two runs scored. Johnson and Jason Reuss both finished with a pair of doubles in the contest. Reuss went 3-for-6 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

Eric Nielsen was 4-for-5 with four RBIs and two runs scored.

Tony Schuler and Garett Shitanishi both added three hits. Schuler was 3-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored, while Shitanishi went 3-for-6 with three runs.

Rebel starter Jared Bonnell (3-1) picked up the win, pitching 5.0 innings, giving up two runs off six hits.

UNLV's relief staff combined to pull off a four-inning one-hitter. Giovanni Pupo, Doug Thornton, Donnie Watts and James Wickman each threw a single inning. Thornton gave up the only hit.

New Mexico freshman Kevin Letz (2-2) earned the loss. He pitched only the first out of the game, giving up five earned runs off one hit.

UNLV and New Mexico wrap up the three-game series on Sunday with the first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. There will be a free egg hunt with the Easter Bunny for kids 12 and under following the game.