March 14, 2014
San Jose, Calif. --- San Jose State had no answer for UNLV's offense in an 18-2 loss in Mountain West action at Municipal Stadium.
The Rebels (12-4, 6-1 MW) pounded out a season-high 20 hits and belted two grand slams on the way to their most lopsided win since a 19-2 beating of Southern Utah in 2012 (3/27).
"This is one of just a couple games this season where we really just got beat up," said Spartans head coach Dave Nakama. "I thought we made their pitcher throw a few pitches that he didn't want early on. Then we walk the bases loaded and give up a grand slam. You just can't do that against a team or a pitcher like that."
San Jose State (5-14, 2-4 MW) had a 1-0 lead after the second inning, but it was erased when the Rebels put up five in the top of the third. T.J. White (1) hit the first grand slam of the night as part of the third. Dylan Ellis hit UNLV's second grand slam in the ninth inning to increase the lead to 18-2.
White and Ellis combined to go 4-for-7 with nine RBI and five runs in the game.
Johnny Melero (0-3) started and took the loss for SJSU. He lasted 3.0 innings, giving up four earned runs on six hits. The Spartan bullpen was tagged with nine more earned runs in 6.0 innings of work.
The Spartans and Rebels continue the series tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at Municipal Stadium. Lefty Jonathan Hernandez (0-1, 5.82) will take on UNLV righty John Richy (3-0, 2.96).