LAS VEGAS–Cal State Fullerton scored a combined six runs in the eighth and ninth innings for a 7-2 come-from-behind victory over UNLV on Saturday afternoon at Earl E. Wilson Stadium.
The game was the first of two exhibition games between the Titans and the Rebels, with the second scheduled for a noon first pitch on Sunday. Admission is free of charge, and for Titan fans not in Las Vegas, a live video stream of the game will be available on UNLVRebels.com (fee required).
Trailing 2-1 entering the eighth inning, Cal State Fullerton exploded to add three runs in the top of the frame to take the lead. Freshman Jake Jefferies' pinch-hit two-run single put the Titans ahead in the eighth as senior Carlos Lopez and junior Michael Lorenzen scored, while senior Matt Orloff drove in the fourth Fullerton run of the contest.
In the ninth, freshman A.J. Kennedy's pinch-hit, two-run single added some insurance, while Orloff plated Lorenzen for the seventh and final Titan run of the game.
Freshman right-hander Thomas Eshelman was credited win after pitching the final three innings of the game, shutting out the Rebels on three hits while striking out three. Sophomore Grahamm Wiest pitched three innings, allowing two runs on six hits in the start, while sophomore Jose Cardona also pitched three scoreless frames in relief.
The Rebels' early lead came off of a two-run homer by Brandon Bayardi in the bottom of the third. The Titans cut the lead to one in the top of the fourth as junior catcher Chad Wallach was able to knock in Lorenzen.
Erick Fedde got the start for UNLV and struck out two while walking two. He did not allow a run and scattered four hits across in 2 and 2/3 innings. UNLV's Brady Zuniga entered the game in the seventh and was credited with the loss after allowing two runs off of one hit.
Lorenzen drew three walks and started in center field, while also scoring three runs. Senior Richy Pedroza and Lopez added two hits apiece, while Orloff received the start at second and was 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
Each team left 11 runners on base and the Titans recorded 13 hits while UNLV finished with 11.