MWC: Opportunity Lost

By Jason Owens - May 23, 2007

Another golden opportunity went straight down the tubes in the sixth. UNLV loaded the bases once again -- this time with one out and the heart of the order at the plate. Leadoff hitter Calvin Beamon and number two hitter Ryan Kowalski both reached on infield hits after Braden Walker got on base to start the inning. But the Rebels came up with nothing.

Utah brought John James out of the bullpen to replace starter Stephen Fife when he loaded the bases. James did exactly what was needed, popping up cleanup hitter Keith Smith and striking out Blake Gailen to end the inning.

This has been a bizarre game so far. I expected to see a lot of offense, and in a way, we have. But with 10 hits and 2 errors through the top of the fifth, only one run has been scored with the Rebels holding onto a 1-0 lead.