May 18, 2008

HONOLULU, Hawai`i - Marcus Moore made the final start of his career a memorable one and sent Utah Valley head coach Steve Gardner out with a win with a three-hit shutout, 2-0, in front of 4,452 fans at Hawai`i on Saturday night. The Wolverines finished the year 17-35-1 with Moore (10-5) winning a school record 10 games during his senior season.

Gardner, who coached his final game after 18 seasons in Orem, finished his career with 471 career wins at Utah Valley.

"I'm just so happy to come over here and win two games," said Gardner after the emotional win. "I'm thrilled to death we could send Marcus and the rest of the seniors out with a win."

Moore struck out four and allowed singles in the third, fourth and sixth innings before striking out the final two batters in the ninth to notch his 17th career win. He also finished the year with six complete games including two shutouts and a 2.86 ERA.

"I couldn't picture going out a better way," said Moore.

The Wolverines scored the only run they'd need in the fourth. Senior Scott Croshaw, who went 2-for-4 to finish with a team-high .351 batting average, singled then moved to second when Kevin Arendse walked. After Aaron Brady flew out to center, Croshaw moved to third before Jake Rickenbach's sac bunt scored Croshaw and moved Arendse to second.

The final run of the game came off the bat of another senior, Tyler Garretson, when he grounded into a fielder's choice in the sixth to again score Croshaw. Garretson went 2-for-4 in his final game as a Wolverine.

The Rainbows threatened in the ninth with two one-out walks before Moore k'd the final two hitters.