March 7, 2009

Final Stats

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV Rebels (15-8) nearly gave the game away against UC Santa Barbara (11-11) Saturday afternoon after letting a three-run lead disappear, but rallied in the bottom of the seventh for the 5-4 victory. The first six innings of the game witnessed only three runs scored, but saw the seventh frame produce six scores. The win extends UNLV's winning streak to three, while they have now won nine of its last 10.

After notching three runs and three hits in the first inning, UNLV was held hitless from the second inning through the sixth by Krista Cobb (6-3). Fortunately, the seventh was kind to the Rebels, as they scored twice off of four hits.

Marissa Nichols stepped up in the seventh with runners on first and second and delivered a single past the short stop to pull the game even at 4-4. Laura Briones, who led off the frame with a double to center, scored on Nichols' hit. Tara Bendt advanced to third on the hit after reaching on a single of her own. Brittany Bolinger delivered the game-winning hit with a shot down the line in left to plate Bendt.

UCSB's offense came to life in the seventh after being held in-check the first six innings. Traci Odegard opened the seventh hitting the first batter of the inning. Odegard then covered a single hit to her by Christine Ramos, but errantly threw to first, which allowed the initial runner to score. A double by Tiffany Wright scored Ramos and pulled the Gauchos within one at 3-2. Jessica Beristianos knotted the game with a single to left to score Wright and summon Jessica O'Connor (6-2) from the bullpen in relief of Odegard. Unfortunately, Elena Fata misplayed a grounder put in play by Amanda Ziegler to give UCSB its brief lead.

UNLV was staked to a three-run lead following Jaci Hull's first-inning home run that cleared the outer fence of Eller Media Stadium. Hull stepped up with runners in scoring position and promptly took Krista Cobb's offering yard. Marissa Nichols and Brittany Bolinger scored on the hit after reaching base due to a walk and a double, respectively.

O'Connor picked up her sixth win of 2009 in short-order fashion. She only needed to record one out and watch her Rebels rally.

Stephanie Bregante earned a no-decision for UNLV in 5.0 innings of her start. Bregante held a no-hitter through the first four frames, but surrendered two hits in the fifth. She struck out one and walked one.

Odegard tossed 1.2 innings and was stuck for four runs, three earned, on four hits.

Cobb suffered the loss for UCSB in 6.1 innings. She was responsible for all five UNLV runs and gave up seven hits. She struck out one and walked three.

The Rebels close down the UNLV Invitational on Sunday afternoon with an 11:15 am, game vs. Notre Dame.