Anderson fans 11 to lead Rebels

Zack Hall

Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2000 | 9:37 a.m.

After taking two thumpings at the hands of St. Mary's of California, the UNLV baseball team was in need of a strong pitching performance if it wanted to salvage one game of a season-opening three-game series.

What the Rebels got was a dominating performance from junior starter Luke Anderson to edge the Gaels 3-1 Monday in front of 155 spectators at Earl Wilson Stadium.

Anderson pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing just two hits and no earned runs while striking out 11 for 1-2 UNLV.

"I didn't feel nervous today, even though it was my first collegiate start," said Anderson, who spent his first two seasons in the Rebel bullpen. "I just felt on today."

Anderson never had a big lead to work with as St. Mary's starter Evan Rust was almost as dominating.

The Rebels' bats were held at bay for the first three innings before UNLV was able to manufacture a run. In the fourth, UNLV center fielder John Cruz scored from third after first baseman Trent Kitsch grounded to short, breaking the scoreless tie.

Two innings later, the Rebels mounted another attack. Garett Shitanishi drew a walk with one out then stole second. Kitsch came through again, knocking in another run with a single, giving the Rebels a 2-0 lead.

That was all Anderson needed as the right-hander was cruising, not giving up a hit between the second and seventh innings. The Gaels scored their only run in the eighth with two outs when Rebel shortstop Zach Strong threw the ball over Kitsch's head, allowing Tony Graziani to score.

"We're not hitting the ball real well," UNLV coach Rod Soesbe said. "We'll get better."