Feb. 3, 2005
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IN THE BATTER'S BOX: UNLV opens its 2005 season with a three-game weekend series against Cal State Northridge with the first game on Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the friendly confines of Earl E. Wilson Stadium.
LAST TIME OUT: UNLV got five dominant innings from junior pitcher Matt Luca and Chris Bonnell drove in four runs as the Rebels beat the UNLV Alumni Team 10-2 in the annual alumni game. Luca struck out four, gave up just two hits and did not walk anyone in the exhibition. Bonnell had two hits and four RBI, including a double with the bases full to highlight a six-run sixth inning that broke the game open for UNLV.
ON DECK: The Rebels will hit the road for the first time this season, starting a six-game road swing with a three-game series at Texas. The first game starts at 12:30 p.m. (PST) on Feb. 11 in Austin, Texas.
UNLV REBELS (0-0, 0-0 MWC): The Rebels enter the 2005 season as the two-time defending Mountain West Conference Tournament Champions. UNLV went 37-24 last season, with a 20-10 mark in the MWC. Offense carried the Rebels last season, as they hit .334 as a team while crushing 73 home runs and scoring 603 runs (9.88/game). Zeke Parraz (.385, 2 HR, 22 RBI), Ryan Bird (.295, 3 HR, 23 RBI) and Justin Tellam (.290, 3 HR, 24 RBI) return from that prolific offense. While the offense will once again be potent, the Rebels' pitching staff figures to be the main key to success for UNLV this season. Junior pitcher Matt Luca will anchor the staff, and has a career record of 12-5. He led the Rebels in strikeouts last season with 99 and tossed one complete game. Derek Rodriguez and Eric Brock will open the season in the starting rotation, and Efren Navarro Jr. and Matt Wagner will also start games for the Rebels. Wayne Foltin will start the season as UNLV's closer.
CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE MATADORS (0-0-1, 0-0 Big West): Cal State Northridge comes into the weekend series 0-0-1 after the Matadors played the University of San Diego to a 3-3 tie. The Matadors figure to pack quite an offensive punch this season, as the team's top seven hitters from last season return, including preseason All-American Michael Paulk. The junior first baseman hit 17 home runs, 18 doubles and drove in 59 RBI last season. Eight starters also return for CSUN, including players that accounted for 50 of the team's Big West-leading 60 home runs.
