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UNLV Eliminates New Mexico, 12-5 Rebels improve to 43-15; Lobos fall to 34-26.
May 22, 2003
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - No. 1 seed and 18th ranked UNLV advanced to the semifinals for the first time in MWC Championship history after defeating New Mexico 12-5, eliminating the host Lobos from the tournament. The Rebels jumped out to an early 6-0 lead in the first inning after tying their own MWC Tournament record with seven hits in the bottom of the first vs. Lobo starter Kris Gross. UNLV would add six runs over the next four innings, while New Mexico chipped away with four runs over that span for a 12-4 count after five innings. UNM added a run in the ninth to account for the final margin. The top four Rebel hitters combined for nine hits, six runs and six RBI, led by leadoff batter Garret Shitanishi who went 3-for-5. Steven Ghutzman was 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI, Fernando Valenzuela was 2-for-4 and cleanup hitter Patrick Dobson went 2-for-3 with three RBI. New Mexico first baseman Chris Alexander paced the Lobos with a 3-for-5 performance from the plate, while center fielder Cory Lizarraga was 2-for-5 with two RBI. Rebel starter Robbie Van earned the win with seven innings pitched and five strikeouts. Gross picked up the loss.
The Rebels await the winner of the BYU vs. San Diego State game in tomorrow's 11 a.m. semifinal contest.
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