April 22, 2002

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - The UNLV baseball team dropped the first game of a Monday doubleheader to Utah 3-1 in seven innings. The Monday doubleheader is being played as a result of inclement weather over the weekend.

The loss drops the Rebels to 20-22 overall, 6-10 in Mountain West Conference play. The Utes improve to 25-18, 9-8 in league play.

UNLV's Ben Scheinbaum (2-1) got his first start of the season, but lasted only 1.2 innings. He gave up three runs in the second inning on three hits to earn the loss. David Seccombe pitched well in relief. He finished the remaining 4.1 innings of the game, giving up only two hits and not allowing a run. He also struck out five.

Mitch Maio picked up the win and improved to 7-1 on the season. He gave up only one run on five hits with nine strikeouts.

UNLV's only run came on a bases loaded walk in the fourth. Garett Shitanishi earned the RBI, scoring Eric Neilsen who also reached on a walk.

Ryan Ruiz finished the game 2-for-4. Brent Johnson, David Trujillo and Joe Wickman each added a single hit.

The Rebels and Utes wrap-up the three-game series with a nine-inning contest at approximately 12:30 p.m. PST.