LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) -- Despite
Erik VanMeetren tying an NCAA record for consecutive times on base on Friday night, UNLV baseball (12-12, 2-8 Mountain West) fell 7-5 to San Diego State (20-6, 8-2 MW) at Earl E. Wilson Stadium.
VanMeetren has reached base 18 straight times going back to the first game of a doubleheader against Northwestern on March 21, which ties an NCAA record set by Cal State Northridge's Shaun Larkin in 2002.
The Las Vegas native went 3-for-3 against SDSU and has collected 10 consecutive hits since the second game of the series against the Wildcats. He started 0-2 in that game and finished 3-for-5. He followed that up by going 2-for-2 in the second game of the doubleheader and 2-for-2 in the series finale. His 10 straight hits breaks the Rebels' record, which was nine set by JC Sibley on May 7-8, 2005 when the Rebels faced Air Force.
The Aztecs opened the game with a run in the first inning and UNLV responded by plating one of its own in the home half of the first inning. VanMeetren doubled down the left field line, driving in
Joey Armstrong from first.
SDSU responded by plating four runs in the top of the second inning. The Aztecs held a 5-1 lead as both starting pitchers settled in.
The Rebels got back on the board in the fourth inning when VanMeetren hit a one-out home run over the left field wall. The team cut the SDSU lead to one run after scoring two in the home half of the sixth.
Edgar Montes scored on a
Nick Rodriguez single to center field and
Austin Anderson scored on a
Payton Squier ground out to second base.
UNLV tied the game at five in the bottom of the eighth inning when after Armstrong and VanMeetren hit back to back singles to open the frame. Stotts advanced the runners on a sacrifice bunt and Armstrong scored on an
A.J. VanMeetren single up the middle.
The Aztecs took the lead and held on for the win after scoring two runs in the top of the ninth inning.
It was D.J. Myer's shortest outing of the year as a Rebel, as he allowed five runs on nine hits in 3.2 innings of work.
Cody Roper and
Joey Lauria pitched very efficient in relief as they combined to allow only two runs on three hits in 5.1 innings of work. Roper struck out two, while Lauria struck out five and walked one.
UNLV and San Diego State will play game two of the three-game series on Saturday at 2:05 p.m. PT. The Rebels are slated to send junior
Kenny Oakley (2-1, 3.18 ERA) to the mound, while the Aztec's probable starting pitcher is Mark Seyler (5-1, 2.97 ERA).
The Saturday and Sunday contests between UNLV and SDSU can be heard on the Sports Radio 920 The Game. Dug Dugless and Josh Towers will have the call. The games will also be streamed online at
UNLVRebels.com/videosFans can purchase their tickets to the games online and save money. Visit UNLVtickets.com to purchase a ticket for just $5 and select the "Free Will-Call" option. The deal expires three hours before the first pitch of every home game. Prices for individual games are $8 for adults, $6 for faculty/staff and seniors and $4 for groups of 15 or more (group tickets must be purchased at least one day in advance for the game). Children 12 and under and UNLV students with a valid student I.D. are free.
This season at Earl E. Wilson Stadium, fans will enjoy a new and improved concession stand. Smoken Sams catering will be providing entrees that range from barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs and hamburgers to nachos, chicken fingers and fries. A variety of beverages will also be available.
