HOUSTON (UNLVRebels.com) – The UNLV Rebels (25-22) suffered a 2-0 loss to the Houston Cougars (28-18) Saturday night at Schroeder Park in Space City. The Cougars managed to push across two runs in their first at-bat before scoring came to a standstill due to pitching and defense.
 
Houston got on the scoreboard early off a fielder's choice ground ball put in play by Derrick Cherry and a two-out RBI single from Rey Fuentes III.
 
The Cougars pitching duo of Lael Lockhart Jr. (4-5) and Devon Roedahl (save No. 4) combined for the five-hit shutout. Lockhart Jr. threw the initial 7.2 frames before giving way to Roedahl for the final 1.1. In all, the pair struck out eight against five hits and three walks.
 
The Scarlet & Gray had opportunities to draw even, but stranded eight runners in the contest. Five runners were left in scoring position, with four of those at second base to only one runner at third.
 
The Rebels best scoring opportunity came in the their final at-bat when they were able to get its first two on in the ninth with help from an error and a fielder's choice. They eventually loaded the bases when Jason Sharman took first off a two-out, four pitch walk. Unfortunately, the final batter struck out to end the game.
 
UNLV used three pitchers in the game; Ryan Hare (7-3) got the start, but exited after the conclusion of the second inning after he was hit in the leg earlier in the frame by a comebacker. Donavan McCrystal and Cameron Jabara combined to throw the final 6.0 innings, and the pair struck out four against two hits and one walk.
 
REBEL OF THE GAME: Jabara tossed 5.0 innings of scoreless relief and faced only one batter over the minimum, forcing Houston to strand a runner in the fifth. The righty, who was making his first relief appearance of the season, struck out four batters, walked none and only gave up two hits.
 
STAT OF THE GAME: The game featured a combined two runs, 10 hits, 10 total bases and 59 at-bats which were all season lows in a contest played by the Rebels this season. Moreover, it's the first affair of the year that UNLV has been involved in that neither squad produced one extra-base hit.
 
QUOTABLE: "We never had the big hit to get us going tonight against a very good pitcher and opponent," said head coach Stan Stolte. "We had a big chance in the second, but popped up a bunt and got doubled off, which can't happen in a tight game like this. That very well could have been the difference. (Cameron) Jabara was outstanding in relief and kept us in position to pull this one out."
  
REBEL NOTES:
- Hare allowed two runs off of three hits and two walks in the loss.
- Austin Pfiefer reached base safely in three of four plate appearances, recoding two singles and one walk.
- UNLV is 13-10 against nonconference competition this season and 12-12 against conference foes.
- UNLV is 19-9 in home games and 6-13 in road games this season.
- UNLV is 11-9 in games decided by two runs or less.
- UNLV is 1-2 in shutouts.
- UNLV is 1-7 when scoring two or fewer runs in a game.
- UNLV is 7-2 when limiting an opponent to two or fewer runs in a game.
- UNLV is 12-14 when an opponent scores first and 6-11 when an opponent scores in the first inning.
- UNLV is 3-6 when hits are tied.
- Bryson Stott: In his last 18 games, which included a 14-game hit streak, he has produced a .438 batting average (32-for-73) with 14 extra-base hits (nine doubles and five homers) that has helped amass a .767 slugging percentage. With the combination of hits and 13 walks, Stott has a .523 on-base percentage. He's also scored 24 runs and knocked in 21.
- Edarian Williams: In his last 21 games, he has produced a .375 batting average (33-for-88) with six extra-base hits (all doubles) that has produced a .443 slugging percentage. Williams also has a .423 on-base percentage with help from eight walks. He has also knocked in 13 RBI and scored six times.
 
UP NEXT: UNLV and Houston close out their nonconference series Sunday afternoon at 1:00 pm CT (11:00 am PT). Following the finale in the Lone Star State, the Rebels will play three more on the road next weekend (May 10-12) against the New Mexico Lobos in Albuquerque, N.M.
 
BACK AT EARL E.: UNLV returns to Las Vegas and Earl E. Wilson Stadium for its final three games of the regular season on May 16-18 – a Thursday-Friday-Saturday series – against the Fresno State Bulldogs.
  
PURCHASE TICKETS: Single-game ticket prices this season are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, faculty and staff seniors, and $4 for groups of 15 or more. Fans that purchase tickets online up to three hours prior to first pitch can get them for an advanced single-game price of $5.
 
All high school, middle school and elementary students are now free under UNLV's new admission policy. To receive free admission, high school students must present valid Nevada area school I.D. at the box office on gameday to receive one (1) complimentary ticket. All other students will receive a complimentary ticket at the box office (no I.D. required). Kids not yet elementary school age will continue to receive free admission for all UNLV Olympic sports.