Feb. 10, 2010

LAS VEGAS - Nearly 30 former UNLV baseball players, including several who are playing in the minor leagues, have signed up to participate in the annual Alumni Game this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. (PT) at Earl E. Wilson Stadium.

Included in that group are Marc Baca (Pittsburgh Pirates), Michael Brenly (Chicago Cubs), Brent Johnson (Seattle Mariners), Xavier Scruggs (St. Louis Cardinals) and J.J. Sferra (Washington Nationals). They will form a strong core of alumni that will help test the 2010 Rebels, as they prepare for their season opener.

There is still plenty of time to sign up, and former UNLV players can RSVP by calling 702-895-3499.

Saturday will be packed with activities that fans are encouraged to come and watch, including a Home Run Derby among the alumni, with each contestant getting six swings to send as many balls as possible over the fence. The derby is slated to start at about noon, and from there each squad will take infield and then the alumni will be introduced to the crowd.

UNLV has won five straight games against the Alumni Squad dating back to the 2003 matchup, and in the latest game, which was held in 2007, the Rebels won 22-2, putting on an offensive show. There was not an alumni game in 2008 due to an NCAA rule which has since been changed, and the 2009 contest was canceled due to rain.

It will be the final tune up for the 2010 squad before UNLV opens its season at home against Sacramento State on Feb. 19, at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. That is the first of eight consecutive home games for the Rebels to open up the 2010 season, and overall the team will play 19 of their first 22 games at home.