March 14, 2003

Box Score

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV baseball team opened Mountain West Conference play with a 7-2 victory over Air Force on Friday night at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. With the win, the Rebels improved to 14-7 on the season. The Falcons fall to 8-10 overall, 0-4 in league play.

Matt Luca (1-0) picked up his first win of the season. He gave up only two runs off six hits with eight strikeouts in six innings of work. Jason Guerra picked up the save, giving up only one hit in thee innings with five strikeouts.

Air Force's Jesper Stubbendorff (2-2) earned the loss. He threw seven innings, giving up six runs off eight hits.

Eric Nielsen hit his fifth home run of the season and finished the game 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.

Joe Wickman went 2-for-3 with two RBI and Brent Johnson finished the game 2-for-4 with two runs scored.

Patrick Dobson and Robert VanKirk contributed a single hit each.

Tony Shockley led the Falcon's going 2-for-4 with one run scored.

UNLV and Air Force continue the three-game series at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The 1 p.m. game-time is a change from the usual 2 p.m. start due to potential inclement weather.