Friday, May 19, 2006 | 7:25 a.m.
UNLV's Matt Luca dodged a few bullets in the final five innings Saturday to emerge as the winning pitcher in the Rebels' 11-10 victory over New Mexico. At this point, any victory is sweet for the 6-foot-6 senior.
After former UNLV coach Jim Schlossnagle unearthed the diamond in the rough in Galveston, Texas, Luca went 5-0 as a freshman for the Rebels. As a sophomore and junior, he was 15-16.
In July, he had his frayed right biceps repaired.
The Rebels (24-28) travel to Air Force this weekend, then play host to the Mountain West Conference baseball tournament that starts Tuesday.
On Saturday, Luca improved to 3-4, with a 7.16 earned-run average. Afterward, before beginning a question-and-answer session in sweltering triple-digit heat, he sighed.
"It felt good to at least show the team that I'm making my way back to that part I played the last three years," Luca said. "This is a big boost for me. I'm sure it's a big boost for them, to see me come along."
How challenging has your comeback been?
It's been rough, a rough road. I can't say I've liked anything about this year, until the last three weeks. It's been a battle, but I'm fighting that battle and I'm working my way back.
What has been the toughest part?
Getting your arm strength back, your mechanics back, falling into rhythm, falling into sequence with everything. It's been really rough for me, finding the arm slot. This feels good, this doesn't feel good. Out of surgery, it doesn't really feel as good as it should. But it's coming along now. I'm looking forward to next week.
Has the plan been to return to that exact same pitcher you were, or must you alter your style to find a new comfort zone?
You'll have to change a little bit. You'll have to tweak, a little bit, everything you do. I'd like to return to the pitcher I was, but I need to change little things, because I got hurt before. So I need to change a little bit of my mechanics so that doesn't happen again.
The mechanics were part of the problem?
Possibly. I used to step across my body pretty bad. I'm working on getting over my front leg a little better, getting my front foot a little more open as I throw the ball.
Is it difficult to pinpoint exactly how, why or when you tore the muscle?
Yeah. It's tough. No telling where it happened or when it happened. It could have happened in the weight room, it could have happened out here. No telling.
What's the recovery time for the 90-minute procedure you had?
About 12 months. I came back on time, when the doctor said I could compete. But he said I wouldn't be 100 percent for, like, the next three months. I'm getting there. I'm not there yet.
How were you when you awoke from surgery?
Felt dizzy. Felt sick. It wasn't a great feeling at all. It's not the greatest feeling throwing up on the ride home.
The Houston Astros took you in the 27th round of last summer's draft. Any thought to taking their offer?
I knew my arm was hurt. I knew my arm wasn't up to standard. If they weren't going to put any stock in me, I wasn't going to go forward with it. They basically throw you out to the wolves. If you're not performing (in the minors), you're out.
What are your current goals?
Trying to help the team out the best I can. They're hitting the ball real well right now. They're coming through with a lot of clutch hits. Our bullpen has been doing real well, and it's good to have (starting pitcher Efren) Navarro back ... I went out there and, for the most part, picked him up.
Do you look beyond your next pitch?
No. Just one pitch at a time. I need to have that mind-set. If I think too far ahead, I don't know if good things will follow.
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