By Rochelle Richards, UNLV Media Relations Intern

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - Former UNLV baseball player Xavier Scruggs was recently promoted to the big leagues after playing in the minor leagues since 2008. Scruggs was called up by the St. Louis Cardinals, and played in his first major league game on Sept. 4.

After being named the organization's Minor League Player of the Month in August, Scruggs collected his first major league career hit on Sept. 9 against the Cincinnati Reds.

The former Rebel slugger was a 19th round selection for the Cardinals after his career at UNLV. He was named the UNLV Sportsman of the Year in 2008, was a Louisville Slugger All-American, was named the Mountain West Player of the Year and became the second player in Mountain West history to win the triple crown.

In 2008, Scruggs led the Mountain West with 20 home runs, and a batting average of .379. He also chalked up 65 RBIs, and led the Mountain West conference with a .778 batting percentage, .489 on-base percentage, and 168 total bases.

Scruggs becomes the third Rebel currently playing in the Major Leagues, joining Ryan Ludwick (Cincinnati Reds) and Efren Navarro Jr. (Los Angeles Angels).

The Cardinals head home this weekend, after three straight losses to the Cincinnati Reds, where they will play the Colorado Rockies in a three game series.