Utah can't complete sweep of UNLV, but wins series 2-1
April 29, 2007
LAS VEGAS - The University of Utah baseball team had a chance for its first Mountain West Conference series sweep Sunday at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. But UNLV pitcher Kevin Skogley tossed a complete game, leading the Rebels to an 8-3 win.
Things looked good early for Utah (21-22, 9-6 MWC). Leadoff hitter Nate Burnham opened the game with a home run to left field, putting the Utes up 1-0. The lead was short-lived, however. UNLV (15-31, 4-11 MWC) scored a single run in the bottom of the first and three more in the second off Utah starter Brad DeVore. UNLV grabbed a 4-1 lead and never trailed again.
The Utes got two runs back in the top of the third on a two-run home run off the bat of catcher Cody Guymon. That dinger pulled Utah within one, 4-3. But that was as close as the Utes would get. UNLV's Xavier Scruggs hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the frame to put the Rebels on top 7-3.
UNLV added an insurance run in the sixth off Utah reliever Chad Cullers, accounting for the final tally. DeVore (1-1) took the loss, allowing seven runs on 10 hits. Skogley (1-4) picked up his first victory of the season, scattering nine hits. He struck out four and walked two.
UNLV second baseman Keith Smith was 3-for-3 on the day, with two runs scored and one RBI. Scruggs was 2-for-4 with one run scored and four RBIs. Utah was paced at the plate by Guymon, who was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Ute right fielder John Welsh was also 2-for-4 and scored a run.
The Utes wrap up the home portion of their season next week. Utah hosts league-leading TCU in a three-game set at Franklin Covey Field. First pitch for Friday's first game is slated for 6 p.m. The series continues Saturday and concludes Sunday. Both weekend contests begin at 1 p.m.
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