March 1, 2011

Box Score

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV baseball team dropped its first road contest of the 2011 season, falling to Texas Tech University, 9-4, here tonight at Dan Law Field.

Junior Max Javate (0-1) was charged with the loss after giving up three hits and four runs - all earned - in 3.0 innings of work.

Nick Popescu's RBI single gave Texas Tech (8-1) an early 1-0 lead before starter Brandon Rainford calmed down and was able to get Stephen Hagan to pop out and Kevin Whitehead to strike out swinging to end the Red Raider first, stranding three Red Raider base runners.

The Rebels (7-2) quickly answered in the top of the second. Rance Roundy led off with a single up the middle and Brandon Bayardi wasted no time in his at-bat, taking David Paiz deep on the first pitch to give UNLV the 2-1 lead.

Jamodrick McGruder's RBI single to center tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the second. McGruder then stole second and gave the Red Raiders the 3-2 lead after scoring from second on Andre Wheeler's double down the left field line. Javate was able to retire the next two batters on flyouts to end the inning.

Following a scoreless third and fourth, UNLV tied the game at 3-3 on Danny Higa's RBI sacrifice fly to left, scoring Richie Jimenez. The Red Raiders responded with a four-run fifth to take a 7-3 lead. Back-to-back RBI singles by Popescu and Hagen gave Texas Tech a 5-3 lead, forcing the Rebels to turn to the pen again. Brady Zuniga entered with runners on second and third and gave up a two-RBI base hit to Paiz before getting Reid Redman to ground into an inning-ending double play.

Texas Tech added a run in both the sixth and eighth, pushing its lead to 9-4.

The Rebels and Red Raiders will be back in action tomorrow with first pitch slated for 1 p.m. CT at Dan Law Field.