UNLV’s pinch-hitter Dylan Gaughn’s RBI-single tied the
game and Chris Bonnell’s RBI-single won it as the Rebels upset the
No. 4 Cal State Fullerton Titans 6-5 in a non-conference baseball game
at Earl E. Wilson Stadium Friday night in front of 631 chilly fans.
The Titans fall to 5-2 overall while the Rebels improve to 2-8 on the
season.
Bonnell’s game-winning RBI off of losing pitcher Vinnie Pestano
(0-1) came just a half inning after the Titans manufactured a run capped
by an RBI single by Felipe Garcia. Garcia’s single gave the Titans
a 5-4 lead heading into the bottom half of the ninth inning.
The Rebels used three singles and intentional walk and a sacrifice bunt
to two push across two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning for the
win.
UNLV’s fourth pitcher of the night, Kyle Tabeek (1-0), picked up
his first victory of the year with one scoreless inning of work.
The Titans had what seemed to be a commanding 4-0 lead over the Rebels
behind junior southpaw Ryan Schreppel. Schreppel was pitching well enough
to win as he walked out to the mound in the bottom of the seventh inning
having only given up two hits over six complete innings striking out three
along the way.
Head Coach George Horton opted to go to the bullpen after Schreppel surrendered
a leadoff single to Bonnell and a walk to Willie Bowman to start the seventh,
and went to freshman Adam Jorgenson.
Jorgenson faced three batters allowing a leadoff single and two walks
leading to two Rebel runs. Thos runs were charged to Schreppel who saw
his streak of 16 consecutive scoreless innings come to an end.
Lauren Gagnier came in relief of Jorgenson and allowed a scoring fly ball
and a wild pitch that score the fourth run in the bottom of the seventh
inning tying the game at four.
The Titans Got on the board early with a pair of RBI-doubles by Brett
Pill and Garcia in the first inning.
Fullerton also scored two in the fourth behind three singles (Garcia,
Ronnie Prettyman and Blake Davis), a sacrifice and a scoring ground ball.
Clark Hardman and Blake Davis each collected a pair of hits with Garcia
leading the way with his 4-for-5 performance. Garcia had two RBI on the
night.
Fullerton will look to bounce back Saturday afternoon as the series continues
at 2:00 p.m. Ricky Romero (2-0, 1.38 ERA) will be on the mound for the
Titans for the afternoon affair.
