Rebels face tough test in Fullerton

Victoria Sun

Friday, Feb. 15, 2002 | 10:16 a.m.

Historically, the Cal State Fullerton baseball team has dominated UNLV.

The Titans, ranked 16th, hold an all-time record of 52-15 against the Rebels.

UNLV coach Jim Schlossnagle would like nothing more than to reverse the tide during a three-game series at CSF this weekend.

"I just want us to continue to be real competitive with the teams we're playing," Schlossnagle said. "When you're playing Cal State Fullerton, winning a bunch of games may not happen.

"But we're going down there to try to win the series. I'm not a big fan of moral victories."

The Titans (3-3) reached the College World Series last year and finished third at the tournament and in the final rankings.

UNLV (4-2) will throw three right-handers, starting with Robbie Van (0-2, 9.00 ERA) today. Jarred Bonnel (0-0, 4.00) will go Saturday with Courtney Hall (0-0, 10.12) getting the nod on Sunday afternoon.

Fullerton will counter with right-handers Wes Littleton (1-1, 2.70), Derric Merrell (1-0, 7.59) and lefty Jeff Houssman (0-2, 9.00).

"They are just a club that is perennially one of the top 10 programs in the country and very well coached," Schlossnagle said. "They put a lot of pressure on you and never make you feel comfortable in the game.

"It'll be our toughest test of the season."

UNLV will be at less than full strength as left-handed pitcher Giovanni Pupo has tendinitis in his elbow and won't make the trip.

"That hurts us a little bit," Schlossnagle said. "He's a guy that I really like."

Offensively, UNLV has been led by Eric Nielsen and Brent Johnson, a freshman All-American last year. Both are hitting above .500.