Sports briefs for March 30, 2005

Wednesday, March 30, 2005 | 9:26 a.m.

UNLV held to three hits in loss to UC Irvine

UNLV committed a season-high six errors and managed only three hits in an 11-2 loss to visiting UC Irvine in a nonleague game at Earl E. Wilson Stadium Tuesday.

The Anteaters (13-11) rapped out 15 hits. Eric Brock (1-3) took the loss for the Rebels (11-18), giving up five runs -- three earned -- in 3 2/3 innings of work. Gary Nakashima (1-0), one of seven pitchers used by the Anteaters, earned the first college win of his career.

Ex-Sun Devil charged with murder

Former Arizona State running back Loren Wade was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting of another former Sun Devils player.

Wade, 21, has been held without bond since Saturday, when he was arrested at the slaying site outside a Scottsdale nightspot.

Brandon Falkner, 25, was killed by a bullet to the head.

Buckeyes get QB back

Ohio State starting quarterback Troy Smith can return to the team if he pays back the money he took from a booster and is held out of the Buckeyes' season opener against Miami of Ohio.

Coach Jim Tressel confirmed that the NCAA had called the university Monday about Smith.

Smith was suspended for the Alamo Bowl in December against Oklahoma State because he took money from a team booster.

Giants to honor Hall of Fame pitchers

Two Hall of Fame pitchers will be honored by the team this season when the Giants dedicate a statue to Juan Marichal and retire Gaylord Perry's number.

Marichal's statue will be unveiled May 21 before a game against Oakland and Perry's No. 36 will be retired July 23 before a game against Florida.

The Giants will dedicate a nine-foot bronze statue of Marichal, featuring his famous high-leg kick, at Lefty O'Doul Plaza outside SBC Park. The Giants also have statues of Willie Mays and Willie McCovey.

Montoya will miss race because of injury

Juan Pablo Montoya will miss the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday after suffering a hairline fracture of a shoulder bone while playing tennis, his McLaren-Mercedes team said.

The Colombian will be replaced by test driver Pedro de la Rosa for the race, a faxed team statement said today. Montoya should return for the following Grand Prix in Imola, Italy on April 24.

"I'm going to take it easy for a few weeks and cheer for the team in front of the TV," Montoya, who was sixth and fourth in the opening races this season, said. "I don't think my championship challenge is over."

-- Sun wire services