Click Here For The Game 1 Box Score in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader

Nov. 9, 2005

LAS VEGAS - It took extra innings, but the Scarlet Team outlasted the Gray Team 7-3 to grab the first game of UNLV Baseball's Fall World Series played at Earl E. Wilson Stadium on Wednesday night.

The contest was scheduled to last six innings, but the first game of the best-of-three series lasted eight frames.

Wednesday's game looked to be shaping up as a pitcher's duel early on, but the Scarlet Team pushed across seven runs in the final four innings, including four in the top of the eighth that broke a 3-3 tie.

Scarlet shortstop Mike Cruz led the way for his squad, going 3-5 on the night with two doubles. Following what was the eventual game-winning single by leftfielder Zach Borba, Cruz added three insurance runs when he doubled on the 11th pitch he saw against Gray closer Eric Brock.

Gray starter Koji Pupo was dominant early as he opened with four strong innings of work. However, he fell victim to control problems and surrendered consecutive walks to start the fifth before giving way to the bullpen.

On Thursday the Gray Team will send Matt Wagner, last year's Mountain West Conference Tournament MVP, to the hill in hopes of forcing a decisive game three. The Scarlet Team will counter with southpaw Ryan Tabor, who is coming off a dominant five inning performance in his last outing.

Fans are encouraged to come out Thursday at 3:05 p.m. (PST) to take in the second game and enjoy the playoff atmosphere of the 2005 Fall World Series.