Feb. 27, 2017 2017 UNLV Weekly Notes
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV baseball team (3-4) will close out its nine-game homestand Tuesday and Wednesday against the UC Riverside Highlanders (4-2) at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. First pitch of Tuesday's affair is scheduled for 6:05 pm while Wednesday's is at 2:05 pm.
The Scarlet & Gray began its season with its own UNLV Classic; however, inclement weather wreaked havoc on the three-day schedule, which resulted in a 2-2 showing by the host squad. A three-game series against then-No. 7 Cal State Fullerton followed on Feb. 24-26, with the Rebels winning the opening contest, 6-1, before back-to-back losses to the nationally ranked club from Southern California.
Dating back to 1967, the Rebels and Highlanders have played a total of 40 times with the former winning 17 of those, including three straight since a 5-4 decision on April 28, 2015. UNLV won both meetings last year -- 4-2 on March 8 and 5-4 on March 9 -- in Riverside, California.
TUNE IN, WATCH & LISTEN: Both games between the UNLV Rebels and UC Riverside Highlanders will be streamed live free of charge via the Mountain West Network. Dug Dugless will provide play-by-play analysis for both contests while former Major Leaguer Josh Towers will serve as the color analyst for Tuesday's affair. Links for the streams as well as live stats can be found at UNLVRebels.com.
THE FIRST PITCH COACHES SHOW: The third installment of "The First Pitch with Stan Stolte and Dug Dugless" radio show will take place March 8 from noon to 1:00 pm at Hatari Restaurant & Sports inside The Boulevard (3528 S. Maryland Parkway). The hour-long program that airs on NBC Sports Radio -- 920 The Game began last week and is scheduled to continue on March 8; April 5, 12 and 19; and May 3 and 17.
PROMOTIONAL ITEMS OF INTEREST:
Tuesday, February 28 -- $2 Tuesday: Tickets and hot dogs are $2 apiece while beer will be discounted $2.
Wednesday, February 29 - UNLV TMC/Athletics, Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day: Two (2) free tickets with faculty/staff I.D.; 50 percent off concessions with faculty/staff I.D.; First 200 fans receive a Hatari Restaurant & Sports Bar gift certificate; In-game prizes & raffles for faculty & staff.
ON DECK: With the conclusion of the two-game series against UC Riverside, UNLV will hit the road for the first time with a jaunt to the Bay Area to open the Mountain West campaign against the San Jose State Spartans. Game one is scheduled for 7:00 pm Friday while Saturday and Sunday are at 4:00 pm and 1:00 pm, respectively. The Rebels will stay in the area and play at Saint Mary's in nearby Moraga Monday at 2:00 pm.
UNLV and SMC were originally slated to square off during the opening weekend of the season (February 18), but rain washed away that contest.
MOUNTAIN WEST PITCHER OF THE WEEK IS STRONG: UNLV Baseball's Alan Strong was named the Mountain West's Pitcher of the Week for games played through February 26. Strong pitched 5.1 scoreless innings and struck out six in the Rebels' 6-1 upset victory of No. 7 Cal State Fullerton. The righty fanned one batter in his five innings of work, including two in the fourth. He allowed four hits and issued four walks; however, no runner advanced past second base during his stint on the mound.
BACK HOME AGAIN AT EARL E.: After its four-game trip to the Golden State, UNLV will return to Earl E. Wilson Stadium for a Mountain West series against the Air Force Falcons (March 10-12) as well as two non-conference affairs against the Grand Canyon Antelopes (March 14-15).
GET YOUR TICKETS: Fans can purchase tickets for $5 online and in advance at UNLVTickets.com. Tickets purchased at the Wilson Stadium box office are $8 for adults, $6 for senior/faculty/staff, while kids 12 and under as well as UNLV students are free.
