March 19, 2010

Final Stats

FULLERTON, Calif. - The UNLV Rebels (19-10) rebounded from a hard-fought loss to #4 Michigan earlier in the day with a 7-1 decisive victory over the San Jose State Spartans (25-7) Friday afternoon at the Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, Calif. UNLV jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead through two innings and cruised thereafter. The Rebels were led by a 3-for-3, two-run performance by Jaci Hull, while Jessica O'Connor (8-3) went the distance in the win.

The Rebels scored four runs in the first inning with help from five hits and two Spartan errors. With one out and the bases loaded, Kendall Fearn hit an RBI-single through the left side to score Paige Emerson for a lead UNLV would never relinquish. Laura Briones followed Fearn with a two-run single to right that cleared the bases. Jaci Hull and Ashli Holland scored easily from scoring position, while Fearn motored around and reached home following an error.

UNLV added two more tallies in the second off of three hits. Emerson began the offensive with a bunt single with one out. Hull followed with an RBI-double to center and advanced to third on the throw home. Hull's double and the 5-0 lead led San Jose State to summon Elyssa Fox from the bullpen in relief of Jennifer Ames (5-1). Holland quickly greeted Fox with an RBI-single to left to score Hull.

Marissa Nichols pushed the Rebel lead to 7-0 with a solo blast to left in the fourth.

The Spartans, who had only two players reach second base through the first six innings, scored their lone run in the seventh off a solo homer by Breanna Lopez.

O'Connor, the reigning Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Week, earned the victory and notched her sixth complete game of the season. O'Connor allowed only one run on seven hits, while striking out six and walking three.

Ames was saddled with the loss in only 1.1 innings of her start. She was touched for six runs (five earned) on seven hits. She walked one, as well.

Fox threw the final 4.2 innings in relief for SJSU. She gave up one run on five hits and struck out two.

UNLV is back in action Saturday morning (9:00 am) when they take on #7/10 Arizona State in the Garman.