March 28, 2003
Las Vegas - San Diego State was on the receiving end of a no-hitter Friday night as UNLV freshman Matt Luca faced three over the minimum in the Rebels' 5-0 win over the Aztecs at Earl E. Wilson Stadium in Las Vegas. It was the first time the Aztecs had been no-hit since the 1982 season when they lost to Lewis-Clark State, 4-3.
The victory moved the Rebels (21-8 overall) into sole possession of first place in the Mountain West Conference at 6-1. The Aztecs fell to 12-17 on the season and 5-2 in league play.
UNLV got on the scoreboard in their opening at bat, scoring an unearned run in the bottom of the first off SDSU starter Mike Moat (2-3). Brent Johnson reached on a fielding error and went to second on a single by Eric Nielsen. He then stole third and came home when Jordan Swaydan's throw skipped down the left field line.
The Rebels added a run in the third when Garett Shitanishi singled, went to second on a fielder's choice, stole third, and came home on Johnson's RBI single. Robert VanKirk's two-RBI double in the fourth gave UNLV a 4-0 lead, and it added one more in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Peter White.
Meanwhile, UNLV starter Matt Luca was keeping the Aztec offense in check. He retired the first 10 batters he faced before Landon Burt drew a one-out walk in the fourth. Luca (2-0) struck out 11 on the night while picking up his second win of the season.
SDSU had just three base runners on the night as Burt reached base twice via a base on balls while catcher Jordan Swaydan was safe on an error in the ninth.
The Aztecs and Rebels continue their three-game series on Saturday (March 29) at 2:00 p.m. in Las Vegas. That game can be heard live on the Internet at www.goaztecs,com with Alan Horton calling the play-by-play.
UNLV 5, San Diego State 0SDSU 000 000 000 - 0 0 2UNLV 101 201 00x - 5 9 1Moat, Eigenhuis (6), Miller (8) and SwaydanLuca and VanKirkW - Luca (2-0)L - Moat (2-3)Sv - NoneHR - NoneAtt. - 615Time - 2:25