May 12, 2002

LAS VEGAS - The Air Force baseball team avoided the three-game sweep with a 10-8 victory over UNLV on Sunday afternoon. The Rebels took a 7-7 tie into the eighth inning before a few timely hits gave the Falcons the win.

With the loss, the Rebels fall to 27-26 on the season, 12-15 in Mountain West Conference play. The Falcons improve to 26-24, 13-13 in league play.

Reliever Jared Bonnell (4-5) is credited with the loss. He gave up two runs on two hits in 2.1 innings of work. Starter Giovanni Pupo went 5.1 innings, giving up seven runs on seven hits with four strikeouts.

Joe Maruffi finished the game on the mound. He pitched 1.1 innings, giving up one run on three hits.

Air Force's Matt Werner (2-0) picked up the win. He threw two scoreless innings, giving up only two hits.

Eric Nielsen led the Rebels offensively, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and one run scored. He finished the three-game series hitting .692 (9-for-13) with nine RBIs.

Jason Reuss also swung the bat well against the Falcons. He finished the game 3-for-4 with one RBI and two runs scored.

Brent Johnson went 2-for-5 in the game and is still looking for the elusive 29th double of the season that will give him sole possession of the UNLV single-season doubles record.

Ryan Ruiz, Joe Wickman and Tony Schuler added a single hit each.

UNLV wraps up the regular season with a three-game home series against the San Diego State Aztecs. Game one is set for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday night.