May 2, 2009

Final Stats

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV Rebels (31-18 overall, 7-7 Mountain West) sent their two seniors off in style with a victory in the team's final home game of 2009. The Rebels broke open an 8-8 game with four runs in the fifth to take the 12-8 victory over the Utah Utes (20-29, 2-8) Saturday afternoon from Eller Media Stadium. UNLV's offense was paced by a six-RBI effort by Jaci Hull.

Hull put UNLV ahead for good in the four-run fifth inning. With Brittany Bolinger stationed at first base, Hull smashed a two-run blast off Utah's Lindsey Palmer (3-8) to center that gave the Rebels a 10-8 lead. Joni Cook was summoned from the bullpen, in relief of Palmer and gave up a fielder's choice to Ashli Holland. Alyssia De La Torre then smashed a one-run triple to right center to plate Holland. Laura Briones ended the frame with an RBI-single off the Ute first baseman to push the score to the final tally of 12-8.

The Rebels jumped out early with two runs in the first with an RBI and a run scored by Hull. Marissa Nichols opened up the game with a walk and made her way to third with help from a wild pitch and a sacrifice bunt by Bolinger. Hull then doubled home Nichols for the game's first score and took third on the throw home. Hull wound up scoring easily from third on a wild pitch uncorked by Brittany Parker.

Utah took a brief 4-2 lead after scoring a quartet of runs in the top of the second. A dropped fly ball helped start the rally. A single by Whitney Holm scored the first run for the opposition. After loading the bases, Hannah Clements hit a liner to left center that reached the fence to score the final three of the inning.

UNLV righted the score in the bottom half of the frame with four scores of its own. The Rebels loaded the bases and forced the exit of Parker from the circle. Ashley Smuda wound up walking the first batter she faced, as Bolinger was credited with the RBI on the bases-loaded free pass. Hull then cleared the bases with a triple to left center.

The Utes then rattled off four runs between the third and fourth to knot the game up at 8-8. Tori Medina picked up an RBI-single in the third. Kara Foster and Holm were responsible for the three scores in the fourth, as they each doubled in runners. Foster had two RBI to Holm's single tally.

Stephanie Bregante picked up the win and improved to 11-4 on the year in 3.2 innings of relief work. Bregante entered the game in the second and recorded the final out to end the Ute scoring. She was touched for four runs, but only one of which was earned. She allowed five hits, while striking out five and walking two.

Jessica O'Connor pitched the remaining 3.1 frames, as she started the game and then re-entered in the sixth until the final out was recorded in the seventh. O'Connor gave up four runs, all unearned, on three hits. She fanned three and walked two.

Utah used four pitchers in the contest with Palmer suffering the loss in 3.0 innings of relief. She allowed three runs, two earned, on two hits. She struck out one and walked two.

With her six RBI today, Hull became only the second Rebel to amass 50 or more in a single season. Hull has plated 50 RBI on the year and sits behind Kim Rondina's 58 RBI in 1995.

Hull was also the last Rebel to rack up six RBI in a single contest, as she did it in 2008 vs. Loyola (Feb. 8).

UNLV is back in action next Saturday (May 9) in San Diego, Calif., as they conclude the regular season with a contest against the San Diego State Aztecs. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 pm.