Box Score

FRESNO, Calif. (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV softball (23-30, 7-15) dropped the series opener to No. 19/17 Fresno State (40-9-1, 21-0) 4-1 on Thursday night at Margie Wright Diamond. A four-run third inning by the Bulldogs was too much for the Rebels to overcome as they scattered seven hits in the game.

A leadoff double in the bottom of the third inning with was followed by a fielding error to put two Fresno State baserunners in scoring position. After a fielder's choice knocked in a run, a three-run homer produced the last three runs of the inning, including the game-winning score.

The Rebels got their first run in the seventh inning and also had the game-tying run at the plate. With two outs and no one on base, Myranda Bueno beat the throw from the shortstop on a ground ball for an infield single and scored on a double to right center by a pinch-hitting Alyssa Batastini. Francesca Foti was hit by a pitch, but a ground out by Chrissi Omalza ended the game.

The Rebels left 11 runners on base in the game. In the fifth inning UNLV had the bases loaded after walks by Jadelyn Yadao-Valdez and Alyssa Cordova and a single by Garie Blando, but a ground out ended the inning. In the second inning Foti was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, Janine Petmecky singled to the shortstop and Brooke Stover advanced both of the runners one base on a sacrifice bunt, but a foul out and ground out thwarted the chance to get a run or more on the scoreboard.

Morgan Ettinger threw her eighth complete game of the year and allowed seven hits, three earned runs and three walks with four strikeouts.

Blando went 1-3 at the plate with a walk and stolen base and extended her streak of reaching base to 17 games. She now ranks tied for fifth all-time in UNLV history in career stolen bases (67) with Christine Parris (1990-91) and tied for 10th in walks (66) with Pauline Glenn (2002-05).

The Rebels and Bulldogs will square off tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m.