March 28, 2003

Box Score

LAS VEGAS - UNLV freshman RHP Matt Luca threw a nine-inning no-hitter in a 5-0 victory over San Diego State on Friday night. Luca struck out a season-high 11 batters. He allowed only three men to reach base, walking two with one man reaching on an error. It is the first UNLV no-hitter since 1990 and the third in school history. With the win, Luca improved to 2-0 on the season and lowered his ERA to 3.58.

UNLV moves to 21-8, 6-1 in Mountain West Conference play, while San Diego State falls to 12-17, 5-2 in league play.

Mike Moat (2-3) picked up the loss. He gave up five runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings of work.

Eric Nielsen led the Rebels offensively, going 2-for-4 at the plate. Seven other Rebels contributed a single hit each.

Robert VanKirk drove in two runs, finishing the game 1-for-4. Brent Johnson and Peter White also drove in one run each.

UNLV and San Diego State plays the second game of the three-game series on Saturday at 2 p.m.