March 16, 2007

Reno, Nevada - Nevada's Ryan Rodriguez hurled a seven-hit shutout in an 11-0 win over Utah Valley in Friday's opener of a three-game series in Reno. Rodriguez struck out five and walked none while not allowing a runner past second base.

All seven hits for the Wolverines were singles while Rodriguez improved to 3-3 on the mound while inducing UV into three groundball double plays.

Eli Slesk led Utah Valley (5-12) with two hits on the day, finishing the game 2-for-3 and upping his team-high average to .379. Nevada (11-12) ended a three-game losing streak with the win. The Wolfpack were led by two hits and two runs batted in each from Daniel Eastham and Matt Suleski.

Nevada used 12 hits and 10 free passes to score four runs in the second, two in the third and five more in the sixth.

In the second, Chris Stewart's bases loaded triple gave Nevada a 3-0 lead and an inning later Suleski had a triple of his own with two-men aboard to push the lead to 6-0.

Meanwhile Rodriguez cruised along, at one point retiring 13 out of 14 Wolverines and erasing his only base runner in that stretch with a double play.

In the sixth, the Wolfpack sent 11 batters to the plate and got a two-run double from Eastham.

Jace Brinkerhoff (1-4) took the loss after lasting just three innings and allowing six runs (four earned) on five hits and four walks.

The second game of the series is tomorrow at 2pm MT with Kyle Kasper scheduled to get the start for Utah Valley.