Feb. 27, 2009
Final Stats
LAS VEGAS - UNLV starter Andrew Beresford tossed 7.2 scoreless innings and Kyle Kretchmer hit his second home run in as many games as the Rebels beat Saint Peter's College 7-3 on Friday evening at Earl E. Wilson Stadium.
Beresford was masterful on the mound in just his second career collegiate start, allowing just two hits while striking out four and walking three to earn the victory. Beresford, who prepped at Corona Santiago High School in Corona, Calif., benefitted from 15 ground-ball outs and four double plays, needing just 85 pitches on the evening.
"The defense played great behind me today and I got a lot of ground balls," Beresford said. "I got comfortable on the mound and felt pretty good out there."
UNLV improved to 5-3 overall on the year while SPC dropped to 1-5, with Ethan Jackson taking the loss, as he gave up four runs on five hits over 5.1 innings of work, and the Rebel scored all of them in the second inning.
"I am pleased that we swept the doubleheader today," UNLV head coach Buddy Gouldsmith said. "It was a great performance in the second game by Andrew Beresford, who pitched well and showed a lot of poise for a freshman. And overall, Kyle Kretchmer had a big day at the plate for us."
Following a walk by Justin Aldridge to open the frame, the left-handed Kretchmer went opposite field for his second career round tripper, giving the Rebels an early 2-0 lead. The margin grew to four later in the inning off a double steal with runners on first and third and then an RBI single off the bat of Jarred Frierson that scored Ryan Thornton.
UNLV tacked on two more runs after the seventh-inning stretch on a sacrifice fly from Ryan Thornton and then a run-scoring ground out that moved the lead to 6-0. That would be more than enough run support for Beresford, who got the first two outs of the seventh inning before turning the game over to the Rebel bullpen and Thomas Whitsett.
Kretchmer had a strong day at the plate, going 4-for-7 over the two games, with the pair of home runs, four RBI and two runs scored.
"I feel pretty amazing right now," Kretchmer said following his big day. "This is what you work hard for each day and it is great to be able to help out the team."
SPC broke up the shut out in the eighth inning as Whitsett was greeted by Justyn Carter, who hit a solo home run to left field for the Peacocks' only run of the game.
The Rebels and Peacocks wrap up their four-game series with another doubleheader that begins at 2:00 p.m. (PT) on Saturday afternoon at Earl E. Wilson Stadium.
