May 29, 2004
LAS VEGAS - UNLV's Andrew D'Angelo doubled home the tying and go-ahead run in the fourth inning, and Rebel pitcher Matt Luca made it stand up in a 6-3 win over San Diego State in the title game of the Mountain West Conference Tournament Saturday afternoon in Las Vegas.
With the victory, UNLV (37-22) receive the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals. The Aztecs end their season with a mark of 35-29.
Rebel starter Matt Luca kept the Aztecs off the scoreboard in eight of the nine innings he pitched as he struck out 10, picking up the win to improve to 7-5 on the year. He was aided by a UNLV defense that turned four double plays on the afternoon.
San Diego State struck first in the game, scoring three times in the third inning on an RBI double by Landon Burt and run-scoring singles by James Guerrero and Rielly Embrey. Both Guerrero and Embrey collected a pair of hits in the game as they accounted for four of the Aztecs seven hits.
UNLV answered the Aztecs' offensive outburst with two in the top of the second (one earned) off SDSU starter Drew Jenson. They took a 4-3 lead in the next inning on D'Angelo's double after Brad Ross and Peter White had singled.
Jenson (2-3) ended his day after six innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits while striking out five.
UNLV added a pair of insurance runs in the ninth inning off Aztec reliever Ryan Schroyer. Catcher Brad Ross led off the inning with a home run to right field. Two batters later, D'Angelo doubled and scored on an SDSU throwing error to provide the final three-run cushion.
Three Aztecs were named to the all-tournament team at the conclusion of Saturday's contest: pitcher Scott Shoemaker, first baseman Rielly Embrey and designated hitter Brock Ungricht.
UNLV 6, San Diego State 3UNLV 000 220 003 - 6 9 2SDSU 003 000 000 - 3 7 2Luca and RossJenson, Schroyer (7) and SwaydanW - Luca (7-5)L - Jenson (2-3)Sv - NoneHR - UNLV: Ross (4)Att. - 1,249Time - 2:58