March 17, 2006 

SACRAMENTO, California - Utah Valley State senior Kam Mickolio was brilliant on Friday, pitching a five-hit shutout in an 8-0 win over Sacramento State for the first shutout of his career. 

The Wolverine (5-11) hitters were equally as impressive as they pounded out 17 hits and have now won three out of four games.

"Kam was just dominant through the whole game," said Wolverine head coach Steve Gardner. "He just worked ahead the whole time. This is definitely the best outing he's had."

Mickolio (2-4) struck out four hitters on the day as he won his second straight start and has allowed just two runs over 17 innings in the two outings. 

"It feels really good," said Mickolio. "It's been a lot easier the last two starts to find my comfort zone. The defense was great today too. I'm proud of the way they performed." 

Adam Openshaw (5-for-5) and Chris Benson (4-for-4) were both perfect at the plate on the day, while Benson also had eight assists defensively at third base. 

"Benson looked real comfortable there today. The more he plays the better he's gonna get," said Gardner. 

Dan Bulow was 3-for-5 with three RBI while Nick Connor and Eli Slesk both had two hits apiece.

Matt Campbell got the loss for Sac State (9-14), as he went six innings and allowed four earned runs on 13 hits. 

UV and Sac State are scheduled to play a doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 11am PST. Kalen Parsons and Kyle Tash are scheduled to start for the Wolverines while Mick Joyce and Justin Deme will oppose them for the Hornets.