Box Score

RENO, Nev. - Nevada (xx-xx, x-x WAC)scored seven runs and faced three pitchers in the bottom of the fourth inning en route to a 7-4 win over Hawai`i (25-18). The Rainbow Wahine tried to rally, scoring four runs in the top of the sixth on a pair of two-run home runs by Tanisha Milca and Alana Power off relief pitcher Robin Ford-Feitz. But it wasn't enough as Wolfpack pitcher Jordan McPherson re-entered the game and shut down UH's offense for the win.

UH pitcher Justine Smethurst started the game well, striking out the side in the first and third innings, and eight in the first three-and-a-third innings. But, with one out, Nevada started the rally that won the game. Brittany Lorenzen hit a single up the middle to start things off. The next batter, Candice Rainwater then got another hit up the middle. Sarah Hunt then hit a ground ball that third baseman Clare Warwick pounced on and turned to get the lead runner at third, but the covering shortstop dropped the ball, thus loading the bases with one out. Next, Kari Stockstill hit a fly ball that bounced off the top of the centerfield fence and back into play. On the play, all three runners scooted home safely, and Stockstill was left on second. Paula Blanning then came in the game and struck the first person she faced. But Cindy Elkins got a single to left and advanced on the throw, to put both runners in scoring position. Lindsay Hall then came in to pinch hit and drew a walk to load the bases again. This time it was Kymberly Silagyi who smacked a double down the leftfield line to drive in two runs and leaving Schafer and Silagyi in scoring position. Jessica Morton then entered the game for Hawai`i to replace Blanning, and walked the first batter she faced to load the bases. Lorenzen then came to the plate for the second time in the inning and hit a squibber down to first base. Tyleen Tausaga thew the ball wide of the covering second baseman, allowing two more runs to score, making the score 7-0 in favor of Nevada after four complete innings.

After shutting down the Rainbow Wahine for five innings, McPherson was replaced by Ford-Feitz, and Hawai`i wasted no time in getting the bats going. Tausaga led the inning off with an opposite field single to left. Milca then stepped to the plate and hit a home run over the centerfield fence. Three batters later, Kate RobinsonKate Robinson hit a double to leftfield. Power then came up to bat and hit her second home run of the season, cutting the lead to 7-4. McPherson then re-entered and held Hawai`i scoreless for the rest of the game.

Hawai`i actually out hit the Wolfpack 12-8 in the game and had more strike outs 11-5.

McPherson got the win for Nevada, throwing 6.1 innings giving up no runs, eight hits, no walks and five strike outs. Ford-Feitz faced six batters, throwing .2 innings. She gave up four runs on four hits, two of which were home runs.

For Hawai`i, Smethurst threw 3.1 innings, giving up four runs on four hits with a walk and eight strike outs. Blanning threw .1 inning and gave up three runs on two hits with a walk and a strike out. And Morton fired 2.1 innings, giving up no runs on two hits with a walk and two strike outs.

The two teams will battle in the second game of today's double header in about 20 minutes.

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