2006 Rebel Outlook

2006 REBEL OUTLOOK

When walking into the office of UNLV Cruz' double-play partner will be Lang, whose speed and range baseball head coach Buddy Gouldsmith, allow him to get to virtually any ball hit on the right side of sec- there is a table off to the left that grabs the ond base. He hit .324 while scoring a team-high 62 runs and attention of anyone who enters. Sitting swiped seven stolen bases. there are five Mountain West Conference "CJ gets to more balls at second base than anyone I have trophies, two for regular season titles and ever coached," Gouldsmith said. "He does have a flair for the the others represent the three-consecutive dramatic at second base and I have not had anyone who tournament titles the Rebels have won. turns the double play better than him." The problem for Gouldsmith, and it is Slick-fielding sophomore Anthony Hernandez will see one that any coach in the country would time at both shortstop and second base, as will sophomore love to have, is that he is quickly running Willie Bowman and junior-transfer Keith Smith. out of room for his trophies. First base will be manned once again by junior In his three years at UNLV, including the Chris Bonnell, a former walk-on who has pro- last two as head coach, Gouldsmith has gressed into one of the more steady first base- transformed the Rebels into the premier men in the league. A year ago Bonnell hit .342 baseball program in the MWC and brought while making 55 starts and playing in 60 total them to the cusp of national prominence. games. His nine home runs and 59 RBI This is where that table, overflowing with were second on the team and he earned trophies, comes back into play. MWC Player of the Week honors twice, Despite all of his team's success, which as well as being named to the MWC All- includes three-straight trips to NCAA Regionals, the latest being Tournament squad. A clutch player, Bonnell went 10-16 at the the 2005 Tempe Regional, Gouldsmith knows the next step for the 2005 Tempe Regional and also drove in the game-winning run in Rebels is to advance to a super regional for the first time in school UNLV's 6-5 win over then-No. 6 Cal State Fullerton last year. history. Backing up Bonnell will be sophomore Efren Navarro Jr. and "We won a game at that (Tempe) regional and were in the other freshman Kyle Kretchmer. two with chances to win both of those games," Gouldsmith said. "Chris Bonnell just continues to get better and better each "The next step for us is to get to the championship game of a year," Gouldsmith said. "He is making better decisions and puts regional and win it. We need to get right back there where we were himself in better positions to not make as many errors and he has and play better and win it this year." worked hard at that." This coming season seems to be one of the best opportunities Over at the hot corner, freshman Xavier Scruggs has emerged for Gouldsmith, the 2005 MWC Coach of the Year, to do just that. as the early front-runner to start the season at third base, although He returns 16 letterwinners from a year ago, including three All- there is a lot of talent behind him ready to play in the likes of Smith, MWC performers and the MWC Tournament MVP. Mix in 17 new- Bowman and Chad Miller. comers who figure to fight for playing time immediately and the Handling the duties behind the plate will be Braden Walker, 2006 edition UNLV baseball appears to be the strongest squad who was moved from shortstop to catcher last year in an emer- Gouldsmith has fielded. gency role but has blossomed there. Desite the fact that Walker is only a sophomore, INFIELD the Rebel pitchers have a high comfort level with Walker and he should only get There is an old saying in baseball that the center of a team's better with more time behind the infield is the most important area on the squad, and the Rebels plate. His offense could also be have one of the best combos in the MWC in senior shortstop Mike a good addition to the lineup, as Cruz and senior second baseman Walker hit .365 in limited at-bats CJ Lang. last year. Senior catcher Albert A year removed from earning Zerega is a strong defensive all-conference honors at third catcher who will push Walker, base, Cruz moved to shortstop and freshman Michael Brenly this fall and he has made the could also see some playing transition seamlessly. After time. missing the first part of last "Braden Walker has been season with an ankle injury, unbelievable the way he has Cruz came back to start 42 progressed behind the plate," games and hit .315 while Gouldsmith said. "He did a playing solid defense at nice job last year having third. never caught and being converted from "Probably the best a shortstop to a catcher. I think it is a move that we have made good move for him and he has welcomed is Mike Cruz to shortstop," it with open arms." Gouldsmith said. "He has really fit in that spot and has OUTFIELD played outstanding defense." A pair of Ryans return to the Rebel outfield, with Ryan Bird back for a second year in right field and Ryan Kowalski entering

18 2006 UNLV Baseball Media Guide 2006 REBEL OUTLOOK

his third year in center field. Gouldsmith is Two other players who could start will be expecting big things from the duo. transfers Jabe Beard and Ryan Tabor. Bird was an All-MWC honoree a year "The one thing that I am most ago and the senior will be one of the main encouraged about our staff is that we cogs in the Rebels' offensive attack this have a lot of guys who throw strikes," season. A .343 hitter with six home Gouldsmith said. "That will minimize runs and 57 RBI last year, Bird was our walks and the amount of also named to the MWC All- mistakes that we make. Tournament team. His experience in Last year there were times right field will also be key, as the sun when we gave up so many tends to cause nightmares for defend- outs but I am encouraged by ers who play right field during the day our ability to throw strikes and play at UNLV. defense behind our pitchers." A year after playing through UNLV's bullpen will be a mix of various injuries, a healthy Kowalski experience and youth and Gouldsmith appears energized and ready to believes it will take a little time for players ignite the Rebel offense from the to define their roles. leadoff spot. A speedster who Alex Chalfant and Scruggs are two causes havoc on the base pitchers that will be among the first relievers used by Gouldsmith, paths, the left-handed with Scruggs probably being the set-up man for probable closer Kowalski can reach base a Eric Brock. Gailen and Robert Gamch are two other arms that variety of ways. His speed is Gouldsmith will use, as well as members of the staff who are not also valuable in the outfield starting. as he covers a lot of ground "The relief roles are something that we waiting for some people running from alley to alley. to rise to the top, but there have already been some to do that," "Ryan Bird and Ryan Kowalski really played well in the fall and Gouldsmith said. "They will need to fill the gaps between our I would expect them to hit in the top of our order," Gouldsmith said. starters and our closer." "Those guys have some experience, with Ryan Bird being a senior and Ryan Kowalski a junior." THE SCHEDULE Left field is a position that is up in the air, with a number of transfers vying for the final starting spot in the Rebel outfield. Zach Quickly becoming a trademark of Gouldsmith and his staff, Borba, Calvin Beamon and Blake Gailen are all newcomers who UNLV's schedule will once again be among the most challenging arrive at UNLV with experience, either at the junior college level or and difficult as any in the country. The Rebels are slated to play six as Division I transfers. Troy Harlander, a freshman with speed teams ranked in Collegiate Baseball's preseason top-40 poll and and the ability to steal bases, may also see some time in the out- will face another four squads that received votes. field. The non-conference slate is highlighted by a three-game home "Left field will be extremely competitive and right now Zach series with defending national champion and preseason No. 1 Borba is a little bit ahead," Gouldsmith said. "I would expect him to Texas at Earl E. Wilson Stadium on March 3-5. UNLV opens its have an opportunity to start there and he is very talented. season with three-game sets at preseason No. 13 Pepperdine and However, Calvin Beamon and Blake Gailen could play there as No. 9 Cal State Fullerton. Its home opener is Feb. 24 against well." Eastern Michigan. With TCU joining the league, teams in the MWC will not play home-and-home series with each other, instead rotat- PITCHING ing home and away series each season. New this year though will be a pre-conference tournament in San Diego on On the mound is where the Rebels seem to have a few ques- March 29-April 2 that will have each MWC tion marks, not due to lack of talent but rather uncertainty about the team play four conference games. health of potential starters. The 2006 Mountain West Matt Luca, Kevin Skogley and transfer Chris Saddoris all fig- Conference Tournament makes it ure to start at one time or another, but they are all coming off of return to Las Vegas, and will be surgeries and how they respond this year will be key to UNLV's played May 23-27 at Earl E. season. Wilson Stadium. The most important one of the trio is Luca, who has been a "If you want to be the best, mainstay in the Rebels' rotation since his freshman season. The you have got to beat the best. I senior tied for the team lead in wins with five, made 16 starts and want to play good teams. We owe at times over his career has shown flashes of dominance, includ- it not only to our program but to our coming throwing a no hitter as a freshman. munity to play a great schedule and play "We will be as good as we are healthy when it comes to the teams that are consistently ranked and mound," Gouldsmith. "We have some guys in Kevin Skogley and among the nation's elite. We've upgraded Chris Saddoris and Matt Luca who are all coming off rehabilitation our schedule every year since I have been stints and we will be as good as they are healthy." here," Gouldsmith said. "There is not a Joining that trio as starters for UNLV, whether in the weekend weekend on our schedule where we can rotation or during week-day games, will be returnees Koji Pupo, just show up and win. We are going to Navarro Jr., and Matt Wagner, last year's MWC Tournament MVP. have to play well every game."

Three-Time Mountain West Conference Champions 19 REBEL ROSTER

No Name Yr/Exp Pos Hgt Wgt B/T Hometown (Previous School) 27 Kelby Aase Fr/HS LHP 6-2 200 L/L Anaheim, Calif. (Esperanza HS) 38 Calvin Beamon Sr/TR OF 6-1 195 L/L Aurora, Colo. (Texas) 32 Jabe Beard Sr/TR RHP 6-2 200 R/R Henderson, Nev. (Tennessee) 34 Ryan Bird Sr/2L OF 6-2 215 R/R San Dimas, Calif. (Long Beach) 11 Chris Bonnell Jr/2L INF 6-3 220 R/R Las Vegas, Nev. (Centennial HS) 6 Zach Borba Jr/TR OF 6-2 200 R/R Reno, Nev. (Columbia Basin College) 25 Willie Bowman So/1L INF 6-2 205 R/R Carson City, Nev. (Carson HS) 18 Michael Brenly Fr/HS C 6-4 215 R/R Scottsdale, Ariz. (Notre Dame Prep) 45 Eric Brock Sr/1L RHP 6-2 210 S/R Laguna Niguel, Calif. (Saddleback JC) 23 Alex Chalfant Jr/1L RHP 6-2 200 R/R Dallas, Texas (Oral Roberts) 1 Mike Cruz Sr/1L INF 5-11 165 R/R Reno, Nev. (CCSN) 22 Blake Gailen Jr/TR LHP 5-7 175 L/L Woodland Hills, Calif. (Glendale CC) 33 Robert Gamch Jr/TR LHP 5-10 180 L/L San Mateo, Calif. (College of San Mateo) 2 Troy Harlander Fr/HS OF 5-11 175 L/L Chaska, Minn. (Chaska HS) 7 Anthony Hernandez Jr/1L INF 5-10 160 R/R Morono Valley, Calif. (Azusa Pacific) 12 Ryan Kowalski Jr/2L OF 6-2 170 L/R San Diego, Calif. (U of San Diego HS) 36 Kyle Kretchmer Fr/HS INF 6-6 225 L/R Carmel, Calif. (Carmel HS) 5 CJ Lang Sr/1L INF 5-8 165 R/R Sparks, Nev. (College of San Mateo) 26 Matt Luca Sr/3L RHP 6-6 220 R/R Galveston, Texas (Ball HS) 44 Chad Miller Jr/TR INF 6-2 235 R/R Phoenix, Ariz. (Chandlar-Gilbert CC) 28 Adam Moser Jr/TR RHP 6-5 220 R/R Medicine Hat, Alberta (Midland JC) 35 Efren Navarro Jr. So/1L LHP 6-0 190 L/L Lynwood, Calif. (Lynwood HS) 20 Koji Pupo Jr/2L LHP 6-0 195 S/L Bellevue, Wash. (Newport HS) 31 Chris Saddoris Jr/TR LHP 5-11 210 L/L Mission Viejo, Calif. (Irvine Valley College) 16 Xavier Scruggs Fr/HS INF 6-2 190 R/R Poway, Calif. (Poway HS) 19 Kevin Skogley So/RS LHP 6-6 220 L/L Hermiston, Ore. (Hermiston HS) 14 Keith Smith Jr/TR INF 6-0 190 R/R Anaheim, Calif. (Irvine Valley College) 17 Ryan Tabor Jr/TR LHP 6-3 190 L/L Henderson, Nev. (CCSN) 30 Matt Wagner Sr/3L RHP 6-2 195 R/R Las Vegas, Nev. (Cimarron Memorial) 10 Braden Walker So/1L C 6-1 200 R/R Highland, Utah (Lone Peak HS) 9 Albert Zerega, Jr. Sr/1L C 6-0 205 R/R Long Beach, Calif. (Santa Ana College) PRONUNCIATION GUIDE HEAD COACH: Kelby Aase a-SEE 8 Buddy Gouldsmith, 3rd Year (Cal State Sacramento, '92) Calvin Beamon BE-mon Chris Bonnell bo-NELL Zach Borba BOAR-ba ASSISTANT COACHES: Michael Brenly BREN-lee Alex Chalfant SHALL-font 37 Scott Malone, 2nd Year (McMurry University '98) Blake Gailen GAY-lynn 21 Nate Yeskie, 2nd Year (UNLV '03) Robert Gamch GAM-ch Ryan Kowalski ko-WALL-ski 4 Matt Fonteno, 1st Year (York College '02) Kyle Kretchmer CRETCH-mer Matt Luca LEW-ka Koji Pupo KO-jee POO-poh Chris Saddoris sa-DOOR-is Albert Zerega zer-RAY-ga Nate Yeskie yes-KEY Matt Fonteno fawn-TEA-no

20 2006 UNLV Baseball Media Guide TV/RADIO ROSTER

1 Mike Cruz 2 Troy Harlander 5 CJ Lang 6 Zach Borba 7 Anthony Hernandez 9 Albert Zerega

10 Braden Walker 11 Chris Bonnell 12 Ryan Kowalski 14 Keith Smith 16 Xavier Scruggs 17 Ryan Tabor

18 Michael Brenly 19 Kevin Skogley 20 Koji Pupo 22 Blake Gailen 23 Alex Chalfant 25 Willie Bowman

26 Matt Luca 27 Kelby Aase 28 Adam Moser 30 Matt Wagner 31 Chris Saddoris 32 Jabe Beard

33 Robert Gamch 34 Ryan Bird 35 Efren Navarro Jr. 36 Kyle Kretchmer 38 Calvin Beamon 44 Chad Miller

45 Eric Brock 8 Buddy Gouldsmith 37 Scott Malone 21 Nate Yeskie 4 Matt Fonteno Liam Carroll

Three-Time Mountain West Conference Champions 21 REBELS BY STATE

1 -Medicine Hat, Alberta 1

1 1

8 1 1 13

Rebels By State Rebels By Class CALIFORNIA (13) ARIZONA (2) FRESHMEN (5) SENIORS (9) Kelby Aase Michael Brenly Kelby Aase Calvin Beamon Ryan Bird Chad Miller Michael Brenly Jabe Beard Eric Brock Troy Harlander Ryan Bird Blake Gailen TEXAS (2) Kyle Kretchmer Eric Brock Robert Gamch Alex Chalfant Xavier Scruggs Mike Cruz Anthony Hernandez Matt Luca CJ Lang Ryan Kowalski SOPHOMORES (4) Matt Luca Kyle Kretchmer COLORADO (1) Willie Bowman Matt Wagner Efren Navarro Jr. Calvin Beamon Efren Navarro Jr. Albert Zerega Jr. Chris Saddoris Kevin Skogley Xavier Scruggs MINNESOTA (1) Braden Walker Keith Smith Troy Harlander Albert Zerega Jr. JUNIORS (13) OREGON (1) Chris Bonnell NEVADA (8) Kevin Skogley Zach Borba Jabe Beard Alex Chalfant Chris Bonnell UTAH (1) Blake Gailen Zach Borba Braden Walker Robert Gamch Willie Bowman Anthony Hernandez Mike Cruz WASHINGTON (1) Ryan Kowalski CJ Lang Koji Pupo Chad Miller Ryan Tabor Adam Moser Matt Wagner CANADA (1) Koji Pupo Adam Moser Chris Saddoris Keith Smith Ryan Tabor

22 2006 UNLV Baseball Media Guide MEETMEET THETHE REBELSREBELS REBEL PROFILES

Ryan Bird SR - 2L 6-3 - 215 - OF San Dimas, CA 34

UNLV: One of the most consistent players for the Rebels, Ryan enters his third season with UNLV ... Will anchor the Rebel outfield as well as the middle of the batting order.

2005: Played in all 64 of UNLV’s games, starting 63 of them ... Was one of only two players to play in every UNLV game ... Named to the 2005 Mountain West Conference All- Tournament Team after helping the Rebels to their third-consecutive MWC title ... Selected to the 2005 All-Mountain West Conference Team ... Hit .343 with 83 hits, six home runs and 57 RBI ... Led the Rebels with 21 doubles ... Second on the team with seven stolen bases in 10 attempts ... Scored the game-winning run in UNLV’s win over then-No. 6 Cal State Fullerton on Feb. 25 ... Drove in a career-high four runs three times, including in the Rebels’ final game of the year, a 14-10 loss to Coastal Carolina in the 2005 Tempe Regional of the NCAA Tournament.

2004: Started 31 games for the Rebels, playing in a total of 38 ... Hit .295 with 36 hits in 122 at bats ... Hit 10 doubles and three home runs, driving in 23 runs ... Scored 27 runs and had an on-base percentage of .365.

LONG BEACH STATE: Played in two games during the 2003 ININ THE DUGOUT WITH season. RYAN BIRD HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Charter Oak HS ... Named All-CIF as a senior after batting .550 with a .980 slug- Favorite Food: Steak ging percentage ... Earned MVP honors in the Miramonte Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake League and was named MVP of the All-Star game ... Three- If you could meet anyone in history: Reggie Jackson time All-Miramonte League honoree ... Team won league One thing you can’t live without: Family each year, going undefeated the last two. What one place do you most want to visit: Florida Person I admire most: My parents PERSONAL: Ryan Richard Bird was born on Aug. 4, 1983, in Nickname: Birdman Covina, Calif. … The son of Bill and Angela Bird … Has two Favorite MLB team: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim brothers, Justin and Taylor … Father played in the Cincinnati Favorite TV Show: SportsCenter Reds organization … Considers his father to be the greatest Favorite Athlete: Vladimir Guerrero influence on his athletic career ... Majoring in university stud- Favorite Song: 4 Words To Choke Upon ies. Favorite Band: Bullet For My Valentine

Bird’s Career Statistics Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GPD OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD % 2004 .295 38-31 122 27 36 10 0 3 23 55 .451 10 4 30 1 .365 1 0 0-1 3 0 0 1.000 2005 .343 64-63 242 54 83 21 1 6 57 124 .512 28 15 52 5 .439 2 1 7-10 127 6 2 .985 TOTAL .327 102-94 364 81 119 31 1 9 80 179 .481 38 19 82 6 .402 3 1 7-11 130 6 2 .985

24 2006 UNLV Baseball Media Guide REBEL PROFILES

Chris Bonnell JR - 2L 6-3 - 220 - 1B Las Vegas, CA 11

UNLV: Chris enters his second season playing for the Rebels and third season overall at UNLV after redshirting during the 2003 season.

2005: Played in 60 of UNLV’s games, starting 55 ... Named to the 2005 Mountain West Conference All-Tournament Team after helping the Rebels to their third-consecutive MWC title ... Drove in the game-winning run in UNLV’s win over then- No. 6 Cal State Fullerton on Feb. 25 ... Earned MWC player of the week accolades for his heroics against Fullerton ... Was named MWC player of the week for a second time on April 18 ... Hit .342 with 82 hits and 59 RBI ... Had a strong showing at the plate in the Tempe Regional of the NCAA Tournament, going 10-16 with eight RBI ... Named to the Tempe Regional All-Tournament Team ... Drilled two home runs in UNLV’s 18-15 win over Utah on April 16. ININ THE DUGOUT WITH 2004: Started eight games and played in a total of 24 ... Hit .292 with 14 hits in 48 at-bats ... Hit one home run and drove CHRIS BONNELL in six runs ... Scored eight runs. Favorite Food: Chicken 2003: Redshirted Favorite Dessert: Pumpkin Pie HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Centennial High School If you could meet anyone in history: in Las Vegas, Nev. ... Hit .515 with three home runs and 47 Franklin D. Roosevelt RBI his senior year … Hit .460 with 40 RBI as a junior … Hit What one place do you most want to visit: Europe .580 with 10 home runs and 56 RBI in 2002 Legion … Named One Thing I would like to accomplish in my life: first team All-Sunset in 2001 and 2002 and second team in Visit every continent 2000 … Named second team All-Southern Nevada in 2001 … Favorite MLB team: Oakland A’s Named first team all-state in 2002 and named the Centennial Favorite TV Show: The O.C. High School Male Athlete of the Year. Favorite Athlete: Lance Armstrong Favorite Song: Back in Black - AC/DC PERSONAL: Christopher Richard Bonnell was born on Favorite Band: Cauterize March 14, 1984, in Las Vegas, Nev. … The son of Richard Favorite Movie: Bull Durham and Cathy Bonnell … Has two brothers, Jaron and Bryan … Majoring in kinesiology … Cousin, Jared, played for UNLV Favorite Book: Angels & Demons and played in the St. Louis Cardinals system … Father, Nickname: C-Bo Richard, played at Oregon State and with the Minnesota Twins … Aspires to be All-America by his senior year … Considers his family to be the greatest influence on his athletic career.

Bonnell’s Career Statistics Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GPD OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD % 2004 .292 24-8 48 8 14 0 0 1 6 17 .354 0 1 5 1 .300 1 0 1-2 48 5 1 .981 2005 .342 60-55 240 41 82 19 0 9 59 128 .533 10 7 24 6 .381 3 2 0-1 502 41 14 .975 TOTAL .333 84-63 288 49 96 19 0 10 65 145 .443 10 8 29 7 .340 4 2 1-3 550 56 15 .978

Three-Time Mountain West Conference Champions 25 REBEL PROFILES

ININ THE DUGOUT WITH Willie Bowman WILLIE BOWMAN

SO - 1L Favorite Food: Anything Italian Favorite Dessert: Pizzookie from BJ’s Pizza 6-2 - 205 - INF If you could meet anyone in history: Jesus Carson City, NV One thing you can’t live without: Baseball What one place do you most want to visit: Hawaii 25 Person I admire most: My parents Favorite actress: Elizabeth Mitchell Favorite MLB team: San Francisco Giants UNLV: Enters his second year with the Rebel program ... Favorite TV Show: Wheel of Fortune A versatile infielder who may see time at second and third Favorite Athlete: Matt Williams base. Favorite Song: Boom - P.O.D. Favorite Band: Switchfoot 2005: Started 16 games and played in 33 total contests in Favorite Place in Las Vegas: Bellagio Fountain Show his rookie season for the Rebels ... Made his first start in Favorite Movie: Anchorman his second career collegiate game against Cal State Favorite Book: The Bible Northridge, playing third base ... Hit his first home run on Favorite Quote: “I can do all things through Christ, May 6 against Air Force, a two-run blast in the eighth who strengthens me.” inning ... Later that game he added a solo shot for the first Nickname: B-Man multi-homer game of his career as well and he finished that contest with three RBI ... Collected two hits in a game five times last season ... Earned Academic All-MWC honors.

HIGH SCHOOL: A native of the Silver State, graduating in 2004 from Carson High School in Carson City, Nev. ... Played third base and shortstop ... The Senators record was 93-56 during his four years at the school ... Earned first team all-conference honors all four years, twice at third base and twice at shortstop ... Named a high school All-American during his senior season ... Played on AAU team Sierra Sun Devils squad that won the Joe DiMaggio World Series three consecutive years from 2002 to 2004.

PERSONAL: William Thomas Bowman was born on Sept. 23, 1985, in Carson City, Nev. … The son of Bill and Karen Bowman … Undecided on a major … Has two older brothers, Doug and Dan, and a younger sister, Angie ... Also enjoys hunting, fishing and camping … Plays the guitar in his spare time.

Bowman’s Career Statistics Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GPD OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD % 2005 .240 33-16 75 16 18 7 0 3 14 34 .453 7 4 32 0 .337 0 0 0-0 23 38 10 .859

26 2006 UNLV Baseball Media Guide REBEL PROFILES

Eric Brock SR - 1L 6-2 - 210 - RHP Laguna Niguel, CA 45

UNLV: A versatile right hander who could be used as UNLV’s closer this year ... Very mature pitcher who should excel at the end of games.

2005: Started six games for the Rebels and appeared in 14 more out of the bullpen ... Pitched 6.1 innings in his first start for the Rebels, a 19-9 win over Cal State Northridge for his first career win at UNLV and the Rebels’ first win of the 2005 season on February 6 ... Made five more starts before being moved to the bullpen ... Picked up his first career save in a 7-3 win at San Diego State on May 1.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: A 2004 graduate of Saddleback Junior College in Mission Viejo, Calif. ... Squad went 30- 11 and won the California State Junior College State Championship in 2004. ININ THE DUGOUT WITH HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Santa Margarita High ERIC BROCK School in Laguna Niguel, Calif. ... Played shortstop and pitched at Santa Margarita High School ... Threw the Favorite Food: Sushi school’s only perfect game during the 2002 season ... 40th Favorite Dessert: Chocolate shake round draft pick of the Houston Astros ... All-league pitch- If you could meet anyone in history: Bob Gibson er in 2001 and 2002. What one place do you most want to visit: Notre Dame Stadium PERSONAL: Eric Taylor Brock was born on Aug. 8, 1983, Person I admire most: My father in Anaheim, Calif. … The son of Tim and Dee Anne Brock Favorite actress: Ashley Judd … Majoring in criminal justice … Has a sister, Lindsay ... Favorite MLB team: Cleveland Indians Father played baseball for Kent State ... Enjoys fishing. Favorite TV Show: Howard Stern Favorite Athlete: Omar Vizquel Favorite Song: L.A. Woman - The Doors Favorite Band: The Doors Favorite Movie: Hoosiers Favorite Quote: “Don’t get caught watching the paint dry.” Gene Hackman, Hoosiers Nickname: Brocky

Brock’s Career Statistics Year ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR AB B/Avg WP HBP BK SFA SHA 2005 6.94 2-3 20 6 0 0/0 1 48.0 64 49 37 24 22 13 1 3 198 .323 9 3 0 2 4

Three-Time Mountain West Conference Champions 27 REBEL PROFILES

Alex Chalfant JR - 1L 6-2 - 200 - RHP Dallas, TX 23

UNLV: Enters his second year at UNLV ... Durable right- handed pitcher who will add depth to the Rebel bullpen.

2005: Saw action in 28 games, appearing in all of them out of the bullpen ... His 28 appearances tied him for second- most among Rebel pitchers ... Had a streak of eight- straight appearances in which he did not allow a run, tossing 7.1 scoreless innings ... Earned the save in UNLV’s 10- 4 win against San Diego State on April 2 ... Picked up his first career win in a Rebel uniform at home on April 30 in UNLV’s 17-14 win over SDSU ... Struck out a career-high four batters in 4.2 innings of work in UNLV’s second game of the season against Cal State Northridge ... Earned Academic All-MWC honors.

ORAL ROBERTS: Alex pitched one year for Oral Roberts in 2004 as the Eagles won the Mid-Continent Championship and advanced to the NCAA Regionals. ININ THE DUGOUT WITH HIGH SCHOOL: Graduated in 2002 from Greenhill High ALEX CHALFANT School in Dallas, Texas ... A four-year letterwinner for the Hornets as his team won the conference championship four consecutive years ... Holds the school record for strikeouts in Favorite Food: Steak a game with 18 ... Left as the school’s single-season strikeout Favorite Dessert: Creme Brulee leader and as the school’s all-time leader in strikeouts ... One thing you can’t live without: My cellphone Named all-conference four consecutive years and all-league What one place do you most want to visit: Fiji three consecutive seasons. Person I admire most: My grandma Favorite actress: Jessica Simpson PERSONAL: Alexander Kyle Chalfant was born on Dec. 1, Favorite MLB team: St. Louis Cardinals 1982, in Denver, Colo. … The son of Ron Chalfant and Sherry Favorite TV Show: NipTuck Wolff … Majoring in marketing … Has a sister, Linden ... Also Favorite Athlete: Roger Clemens enjoys hunting and fishing. Favorite Song: Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffett Favorite Singer: Jimmy Buffett Favorite Place in Las Vegas: Hard Rock Hotel Nickname: Chalfante and Fudgie

Chalfant’s Career Statistics Year ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR AB B/Avg WP HBP BK SFA SHA 2005 3.79 1-1 28 0 0 0/1 1 35.2 45 18 15 16 24 12 0 2 144 .313 2 3 0 4 0

28 2006 UNLV Baseball Media Guide REBEL PROFILES

ININ THE DUGOUT WITH Mike Cruz MIKE CRUZ SR - 1L Favorite Food: Lasagna Favorite Dessert: Root beer floats 5-11 - 165 - SS If you could meet anyone in history: Allen Iverson One thing you can’t live without: My son Reno, NV What one place do you most want to visit: Jamaica 1 Person I admire most: Michael Jordan Favorite actress: Pamela Anderson Favorite MLB team: Oakland A’s UNLV: Moves to shortstop after playing third base last year Favorite TV Show: 24 for the Rebels ... A solid fielder who does not commit many Favorite Athlete: Allen Iverson errors ... A steady hitter at the plate. Favorite Song: Simple Plan Favorite Band: Grouch 2005: Missed the first part of the season due to an ankle Favorite Quote: “Get rich or die tryin.” 50 Cent injury, but came on to have a strong junior year for the Rebels Favorite Book: Bringing Down The House ... Was named to the 2005 All-Mountain West Conference Favorite Movie: The Program team ... Played in 44 games while starting 42 of those contests ... Drove in a career-high five runs and went 3-6 at the plate in the Rebels’ 24-15 win at Air Force on May 7 ... Had four hits in a game twice ... Was named the MWC Player of the Week on April 4 after helping UNLV sweep league-rival San Diego State as he went 6-11, scored five runs and drove in six during the three-game series from April 1-3.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Played two years at the Community College of Southern Nevada in Henderson, Nev. ... Member of national championship squad that went 55-10 in 2002 ... Named the 2002 Junior College World Series Defensive MVP.

HIGH SCHOOL: Originally from the Silver State, he graduated from Reno High School in 2000 ... Lettered two years at Reno High School ... The Huskies placed second at state in 1999, Mike’s senior season.

PERSONAL: Mike Anthony Cruz was born on July 19, 1982, in Guam … The son of John and Kelly Cruz … Majoring in sociology … Has a son, Michael Jr. ... Has three brothers, John, Nate and Randy ... John played baseball at UNLV from 2000 to 2002 ... Also enjoys video games and music.

Cruz’ Career Statistics Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GPD OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD % 2005 .315 44-42 168 47 53 12 2 5 40 84 .500 24 14 36 3 .435 3 6 1-1 31 89 11 .916

Three-Time Mountain West Conference Champions 29 REBEL PROFILES

Anthony Hernandez JR - 1L 5-10 - 160 - INF Moreno Valley, CA 7

UNLV: A slick-fielding middle infielder who can play either second base or shortstop ... Enters his second season with the Rebels.

2005: Appeared in 30 games, starting in two ... Drove in the first run of his career on April 23 against New Mexico when he hit a solo home run in the eighth inning for his first round tripper in a Rebel uniform ... Drove in another run in UNLV’s regular-season finale at home against Utah on May 21. ININ THE DUGOUT WITH HIGH SCHOOL: AA 2003 graduate of Valley View High School in Moreno Valley, Calif. ... Was a three-time let- ANTHONY HERNANDEZ terwinner for the Eagles under coach Matt Davis ... In 2003 he broke the school record for hits in a season ... Favorite Food: Chicken Earned first team all-league and first team all-confer- Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake ence honors as a senior. If you could meet anyone in history: Jesus One thing you can’t live without: Faith PERSONAL: Anthony Hernandez was born on Nov. 8, What one place do you most want to visit: Australia 1985, in Riverside, Calif. … The son of Tony and Person I admire most: My dad Sandra Hernandez … Undecided on a major … Has a Favorite MLB team: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim younger brother, Ryan ... Also enjoys going to church. Favorite TV Show: SportsCenter Favorite Athlete: Ozzie Smith Favorite Song: Sea Breeze - Tyrone Wells Favorite Band: Nickelback Favorite Movie: The Sandlot Favorite Book: Chronicles of Narnia Nickname: A-Hern

Hernandez’ Career Statistics Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GPD OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD % 2005 .229 30-2 35 7 8 0 01211.314 1 1 8 0 .270 0 0 0-0 11 26 7 .841

30 2006 UNLV Baseball Media Guide REBEL PROFILES

Ryan Kowalski JR - 2L 6-2 - 170 - OF San Diego, CA 12

UNLV: Enters his third season with the Rebels ... Covers a lot of ground in the outfield, getting to a lot of balls with his speed ... Has the potential to steal a lot of bases and cause havoc on the base paths.

2005: Played in 57 games, starting 35 ... Laid down a team-high 11 sacrifices ... Went 4-5 against Cal on March 13 in a 7-4 win ... Drove in four RBI and hit his only home run of the year in a 12-6 Rebel win over New Mexico on March 25 ... His three stolen bases were third on the team.

2004: Came in and made a strong impact his freshman year ... Led the Rebels with 20 steals in 23 attempts ... Started 42 games and appeared in 47 ... Hit .289 with 50 hits in 173 at-bats ... Had three doubles, one triple and two home runs ... Knocked in 21 runs. ININ THE DUGOUT WITH HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of University of San Diego High School ... Hit .473 as a freshman, .390 as a RYAN KOWALSKI sophomore, .470 as a junior and .330 as a senior ... Won league title and CIF Division championship ... Favorite Food: Mexican Named top-50 at the Area Code Games ... Played in Favorite Dessert: Apple pie the North-South All-Star game for Southern California Favorite Movie: Get Rich or Die Tryin’ ... Named All-Western League and All-CIF his junior Favorite TV Show: SportsCenter and senior years. Favorite MLB Team: San Diego Padres Favorite Singer: 50 Cent PERSONAL: Ryan Christopher Kowalski was born on Who Has Inspired You The Most: My family Nickname: KO July 2, 1985, in Toledo, Ohio ... The son of Dawn and Scott Waniewski and Wayne and Sharon Palm ... Has one brother and three sisters ... Majoring in university studies.

Kowalski’s Career Statistics Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GPD OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD % 2004 .289 47-42 173 53 50 3 1 2 21 61 .353 33 5 24 1 .409 4 3 20-23 51 50 8 .927\ 2005 .224 57-35 143 27 32 2 1 1 17 39 .273 16 4 23 4 .319 0 11 3-6 89 2 2 .978 TOTAL .259 104-77 316 80 82 5 2 3 38 100 .313 49 9 47 5 .364 4 14 23-29 140 52 10 .952

Three-Time Mountain West Conference Champions 31 REBEL PROFILES

CJ Lang SR - 1L 5-8 - 165 - 2B Reno, NV 5

UNLV: A solid player who plays bigger than his stature ... Has an uncanny ability to get to balls and to turn double plays ... Gritty player with great range at second base.

2005: Was the only Rebel to start all 64 games for the squad ... Led the team in runs scored (62), walks (36) and stolen bases (7) ... Went 1-3 in his Division-I collegiate debut against Cal State Northridge on February 3 and never left the UNLV lineup ... Strung together two 11-game hitting streaks ... Was 4-6 with five RBI and a pair of runs scored in the Rebels’ 18-15 win over Utah on April 16 ... Hit his first home run in a UNLV uniform on March 19 against Air Force in a 10-0 UNLV win ... Drew three walks and went 3-3 with three runs scored and three RBI in a 17- 14 win against San Diego State on April 30 ... Was 7-7 in stolen base attempts.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: A 2004 graduate of the College of San Mateo in San Mateo, Calif. ... Played second base for two seasons for the Bulldogs ... Team was Coast Conference Champion in 2004 ... Place third in the state in ININ THE DUGOUT WITH 2003. CJ LANG

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Reed High School in Favorite Food: Pizza Reno, Nev. ... Was a three-year letterwinner for the Favorite Dessert: Frosty Raiders ... Played second base ... Raiders won league title If you could meet anyone in history: Mickey Mantle in 2001 and finished second in 2002 ... Broke the Raiders’ What one place do you most want to visit: Hawaii school record for doubles in a season in 2001 ... Set the Person I admire most: My mom single-season home run record in 2002 ... During that sea- Favorite actress: Jennifer Love Hewitt son he was named first team all-state and league and also Favorite MLB team: New York Yankees had the most RBI in the state. Favorite TV Show: Howard Stern Favorite Athlete: Derek Jeter PERSONAL: Clark Joseph Lang was born on April 12, Favorite Song: Rock Bottom - Eminem 1984, in Reno, Nev. … The son of Chris and Cindy Lang Favorite Singer: Eminem … Majoring in university studies … Has one brother, Favorite Movie: Super Troopers Mickey and one sister, Lacee ... His father played baseball Nickname: Nails at UNLV from 1982 to 1983 ... Also enjoys watching TV.

Lang’s Career Statistics Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GPD OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD % 2005 .324 64-64 238 62 77 15 2 4 38 108 .454 36 8 31 5 .425 3 4 7-7 150 219 18 .953

32 2006 UNLV Baseball Media Guide REBEL PROFILES

with five strikeouts ... Named to the Academic All-MWC team and the earned the Mountain West Conference Scholar-Athlete Award, which requires an athlete to carry a minimum 3.5 g.p.a. Matt Luca while appearing in at least one varsity contest. .

SR - 3L HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Ball High School in Galveston, Texas ... Played third base and pitched for the 6-6 - 220 - RHP Tornadoes … Helped the team to a district championship and Galveston, TX the regional semi-finals … Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 22nd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. 26 PERSONAL: Matthew Charles Luca was born on Sept. 4, 1984, in Houston, Texas … The son of Joseph and Doris Luca … Has UNLV: Matt enters his final year with the Rebels ... A dominant two older sisters, Ashley and Lauren … Majoring in university right-handed power pitcher who will be the staff ace ... Among studies … Also enjoys playing golf, basketball, football and ski- the league’s top starters. ing … Considers his father to be the greatest influence on his athletic career. 2005: Appeared in 17 games, starting 16, which matched a career high ... His five wins were tied for the team lead and his 89.1 innings of work are the most of any returning UNLV pitcher ... Held opposing batters to a .298 average, the best mark among Rebel starters ... Was named to the 2005 MWC All- Tournament team after tossing seven scoreless innings and allowing just three hits in UNLV’s 5-3 opening-round win over Utah on May 26 ... Earned MWC Player of the Week honors twice ... The first time came on March 14 following an outing against Cal in which he gave up one unearned run in 6.2 innings of work in a 7-4 UNLV win ... Won the award again on April 4 after he tossed eight innings and gave up one run on three hits in a 6-1 win over San Diego State ... Struck out a season-high eight batters in that win on April 1 ... Selected in the 27th round of the MLB Draft by the Houston Astros with the 824th pick ... Named to the Academic All-MWC Team as well as earning the Mountain West Conference Scholar-Athlete Award for the third time in three years.

2004: Made a career-high 18 appearances, starting in 16 games ... Had a career-high seven wins, which was third on the team ... Led UNLV with 98 strikeouts in just 85.1 innings pitched ... Tied for the team lead with one complete game ... Named to the Academic All-MWC Team as well as earning the Mountain West Conference Scholar-Athlete Award for the second straight year.

2003: Made 15 appearances with a 5-0 record and a 4.17 ERA in 2003 … Struck out 49 and walked 25 in 58.1 innings of work … Was named First Team All-MWC … Was named Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week, MWC Pitcher of the Week and National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Player of the Week after throwing a 9-inning no-hitter in a 5-0 victory over San Diego State on March 28 … Struck out a season-high 11 batters in the no-hitter … Earned MWC Player of the Week on May 5 after holding San Diego State scoreless in five innings

Luca’s Career Statistics Year ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR AB B/Avg WP HBP BK SFA SHA 2003 4.17 5-0 15 12 1 1/0 0 58.1 55 31 27 25 49 12 2 6 221 .249 33 5 2 1 0 2004 5.99 7-5 18 16 1 0/0 0 85.1 96 71 57 42 98 17 4 4 345 .278 6 7 2 3 2 2005 4.94 5-7 17 16 0 0/0 0 89.1 107 64 49 42 65 16 2 6 359 .298 10 6 0 2 7 TOTAL5.13 17-12 50 44 2 1/0 0 233.0 258 166 133 109 212 45 8 16 925 .278 49 18 4 6 9

Three-Time Mountain West Conference Champions 33 REBEL PROFILES

ININ THE DUGOUT WITH Efren Navarro Jr. EFREN NAVARRO JR.

Favorite Food: Steak and shrimp SO - 1L Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake 6-0 - 180 - LHP/INF If you could meet anyone in history: Babe Ruth One thing you can’t live without: My pillow Lynwood, CA Person I admire most: My dad 35 Favorite actress: Jessica Simpson Favorite MLB team: Boston Red Sox Favorite TV Show: CSI UNLV: A versatile athlete who plays in the field as well as Favorite Athlete: Rafael Palmeiro pitches ... A smooth-swinging left hander who can play first Favorite Song: Mr. Jones - Counting Crows base, the outfield or DH ... Will only improve as a pitcher Favorite Singer: Juanes as he gains more experience ... Entering his second year Favorite Movie: The Sandlot at UNLV. Favorite Book: The Bible Nickname: Easy E 2005: Played all over the field for the Rebels, getting starts as a pitcher, first baseman and designated hitter ... Named to the 2005 All-Mountain West Conference team as a pitcher ... Made 24 appearances on the mound with seven starts ... Earned his first career win in relief, working 3.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen in the Rebels’ 5-2 win over Cal on May 12 ... Picked up his first win as a starter on April 22 as he allowed two earned runs, four total in 5.2 innings of work in a 11-8 UNLV win over New Mexico ... Struck out a career-high eight batters against Utah on May 20 ... Hit his first home run in a Rebel uniform on May 8 against Air Force ... Drove in three runs twice.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Lynwood High School in Lynwood, Calif ... Was a four-year letterwinner for the Knights under coaches Tommy Butler and Mel Robinson ... Played first base and also pitched ... Named to the second-team dream team in the San Gabriel Valley league in 2001 and 2002 ... Team was RBI (Reviving Baseball Innercity) Champs 2001-03.

PERSONAL: Efren Navarro Jr. was born on May 14, 1986, in Lynwood, Calif. … The son of Efren and Guadalupe Navarro … Undecided on a major … Has three older sisters, Melinda, Guadalupe and Marivel ... His sister Guadalupe played professional softball for the Long Beach Aces for one season ... Also enjoys working out and watching ESPN.

Navarro’s Career Pitching Statistics Year ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR AB B/Avg WP HBP BK SFA SHA 2005 5.84 4-4 24 7 0 0/0 0 61.2 87 46 40 26 57 17 2 8 254 .343 2 1 3 3 7

Navarro’s Career Hitting Statistics Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GPD OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD % 2005 .255 23-10 47 12 12 4 0 2 12 22 .468 6 2 9 0 .357 1 0 0-1 93 18 3 .974

34 2006 UNLV Baseball Media Guide REBEL PROFILES

Koji Pupo JR - 2L 6-0 - 195 - LHP Bellevue, WA 20

UNLV: A versatile left hander who could be a starter for the Rebels or also come out of the bullpen ... Enters his third year at UNLV.

2005: Made 16 appearances for the Rebels with 14 starts ... Won his first five decisions before taking the loss in UNLV’s 14-10 defeat to Coastal Carolina at the Tempe Regional that ended the Rebels’ season ... Earned the first win of his UNLV career by tossing seven innings of scoreless baseball in the Rebels’ 10-0 win over Air Force on March 19 ... Struck out a career-high six batters that game and allowed just two hits ... His five wins were tied for the team lead ... Earned Academic All-MWC honors for a second consecutive year.

2004: Worked primarily out of the bullpen ... Made 17 appearances ... Started two games ... Pitched 35.2 innings, giving up 47 hits and 38 run with 33 of those earned runs ... Struck out 27 batters while walking 23 ... Earned Academic All-MWC honors. ININ THE DUGOUT WITH KOJI PUPO HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Newport High School KOJI PUPO in Bellevue, Wash. ... Earned two letters in baseball and three in basketball ... Went 6-2 with a 2.18 ERA and 49 Favorite Food: Steak strikeouts his senior year ... Went 4-2 with a 2.18 ERA and Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake 40 strikeouts his junior year ... Named First Team All- If you could meet anyone in history: Kingco his senior year and second team his junior year ... George Washington Named all-state. Person I admire most: Joe Pupo Favorite MLB team: Seattle Mariners PERSONAL: Koji Pupo was born on Nov. 18, 1984, in Favorite TV Show: Family Guy Bellevue, Wash. ... The son of Joseph and Ruthy Pupo ... Favorite Athlete: Michael Jordan Father played baseball at Santa Clara and was drafted by Favorite Song: Black the Orioles and Royals ... Brother, Giovanni Pupo, played Favorite Singer: Zach De LaRocha at UNLV from 2000-03 as a pitcher ... Majoring in public Nickname: KP Money relations ... Considers his father and brother to be the greatest influences on his athletic career.

Pupo’s Career Statistics Year ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR AB B/Avg WP HBP BK SFA SHA 2004 8.33 0-1 17 2 0 0/1 0 35.2 47 38 33 23 27 9 1 5 145 .324 3 7 1 4 2 2005 6.45 5-1 16 14 0 0/1 0 74.0 99 69 53 40 50 16 4 14 311 .318 5 7 5 1 4 Total 7.06 5-2 33 16 0 0/2 0 109.2 146 107 86 63 77 25 5 19 456 .320 8 14 6 5 6

Three-Time Mountain West Conference Champions 35 REBEL PROFILES

Kevin Skogley SO - 1L 6-6 - 210 - LHP Hermiston, OR 19

UNLV: Could be in the Rebels’ rotation if healthy ... Coming off elbow surgery that forced him to miss all of last year.

2005: Missed the year due to elbow surgery ... Received a medical redshirt.

2004: Made eight appearances as a true freshman ... Started one game ... Struck out 17 in just 12.1 innings ... Allowed 12 hits and 15 runs, 12 of which were earned ... Walked 13 batters ... Did not earn a decision ... Opposing hitters only hit .245 against him, the second-lowest average on the team.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Hermiston High School … Was a 25th-round draft pick, 751st pick overall, by the Dodgers in 2003 … Played in the 2003 State-Metro game … Named first team all-state as a pitcher his senior ININ THE DUGOUT WITH year, second team as a pitcher and first baseman his jun- KEVIN SKOGLEY ior year. Nickname: Skogs PERSONAL: Kevin Lynn Skogley was born on Sept. 24, Favorite Quote: “If better is ever possible, good is 1984, in Hermiston, Ore. … The son of Gary and Margaret not good enough.” Skogley … Undecided on a major ... Has one brother … Favorite Book: The DaVinci Code Also enjoys skiing, hunting and fishing … Considers his If you could meet anyone in history: Nolan Ryan father to be the greatest influence on his athletic career. One thing you can’t live without: Baseball What one place do you most want to visit: Cooperstown, N.Y. Person I admire most: My father Favorite actress: Jessica Simpson Favorite MLB team: Houston Astros Favorite TV Show: Las Vegas Favorite Athlete: Roger Clemens Favorite Song: I’m Melting - The Used Favorite Singer: Kenny Chesney

Skogley’s Career Statistics Year ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR AB B/Avg WP HBP BK SFA SHA 2004 8.78 0-0 8 1 0 0/0 0 12.1 12 15 12 13 17 4 0 1 49 .245 5 3 1 0 0 2005 --Medical Redshirt--

36 2006 UNLV Baseball Media Guide REBEL PROFILES

Matt Wagner SR - 3L 6-2 - 195 - RHP Las Vegas, NV 30

UNLV: Matt enters his final season with the Rebels ... A valuable pitcher who can start or come out of the bullpen ... Has a lot of experience after three years at UNLV.

2005: Named the MVP of the Mountain West Conference Tournament after he worked 4.2 innings of scoreless relief and then turned around and allowed just one run in another three innings as a starter as UNLV beat BYU twice in the same day to win the title on May 28 ... Made 23 appearances and had three starts ... His five wins tied for the most on the Rebel staff ... Earned his first win of the season on May 15 at Arizona ... Earned Academic All-MWC honors for the third- straight year.

2004: Started six games and made 16 appearances ... Had a 3-4 record ... Threw a total of 57 innings, giving up 83 hits and 53 runs, 48 of which were earned ... Struck out 37 batters while walking 20 ... Earned Academic All-MWC honors. 2003: Matt made 14 appearances with a 4.40 ERA … Had a IN THE DUGOUT WITH 1-0 record with one save … Struck out 20 and walked 13 in IN THE DUGOUT WITH 28.2 innings of work … Gave up only two runs in his first five MATT WAGNER appearances … Threw six innings in the postseason with a 1.50 ERA … Threw 6.1 shutout innings against Memphis on Favorite Dessert: Pumpkin Pie March 8 ... Earned Academic All-MWC honors. One thing you can’t live without: A car What one place do you most want to visit: New York HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Cimarron Memorial High School in Las Vegas, Nev ... Was named a First Team All- Person I admire most: My grandma and grandpa Southern Nevada pitcher and outfielder and second team All- Favorite MLB team: Minnesota Twins State Nevada outfielder in 2002 … Won 2000 Nevada Legion Favorite TV Show: CSI Championship … Finished second in the division in 2001 and If you could meet anyone in history: Abraham 2002 … Won Western Regional Championship and finished Lincoln fifth in the country in 2002. Favorite Athlete: Kirby Puckett Favorite Song: Something Like That - Tim McGraw PERSONAL: Matthew Joseph Wagner was born on Dec. 27, Favorite Singer: Kenny Chesney 1983, in Bryan, Texas … The son of Debbie and Ralph Favorite Actress: Anna Nicole Smith Wagner … Has a younger brother, Michael ... Majoring in Favorite Book: Angels & Demons management … Nickname is "Wags" … Considers his par- Nickname: Wags ents to be the greatest influence on his athletic career.

Wagner’s Career Statistics Year ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR AB B/Avg WP HBP BK SFA SHA 2003 4.40 1-0 14 1 0 0/1 1 28.2 29 14 14 13 20 7 0 2 111 .261 0 6 1 0 0 2004 7.58 3-4 16 6 0 0/0 0 57.0 83 53 48 20 37 17 2 6 247 .336 3 2 1 3 2 2005 6.85 5-3 23 3 0 0/0 0 44.2 68 41 34 10 21 8 5 2 187 .364 8 6 0 4 4 TOTAL6.63 9-7 53 10 0 0/1 1 130.1 180 108 96 43 78 32 7 10 545 .330 11 14 2 7 6

Three-Time Mountain West Conference Champions 37 REBEL PROFILES

ININ THE DUGOUT WITH Braden Walker BRADEN WALKER SO - 1L Favorite Food: Chicken Favorite Dessert: Strawberry Cheesecake 6-1 - 180 - C If you could meet anyone in history: Lou Gehrig What one place do you most want to visit: Australia Highland, UT Person I admire most: My dad 10 Favorite actress: Jennifer Anniston Favorite MLB team: Boston Red Sox Favorite TV Show: Friends UNLV: Moved to catcher at the end of last year due Favorite Athlete: Manny Ramirez injuries ... Excelled at the position and could emerge as Favorite Song: Chicks Dig It - Chris Cagle the starter ... Hit the ball well in limited at-bats. Favorite Singer: Billy Currington Favorite Quote: “Nobody is perfect, I am nobody, 2005: Played in 30 games for the Rebels, including 13 therefore I am perfect.” starts ... Showed he could hit for average, batting .365 (23- Nickname: B-Walk 63), which was the second-best mark on the squad ... Made his first career start against Florida Atlantic on March 5 ... Collected his first hit and RBI in that game ... Went 3-4 with four runs scored and an RBI in the Rebels’ 18-15 win over Utah on April 16.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2004 graduate of Lone Peak High School in Highland, Utah ... Was a three-year letterwinner for the Knights as a shortstop ... Earned first team all-state honors during his season, when he was named the MVP of the state all-star game ... Also earned first team all-region honors as a senior and junior ... Named second team all-state as a junior in 2003.

PERSONAL: Braden Stephens Walker was born on March 23, 1986, in American Fork, Utah … The son of Kim and Lisa Walker … Undecided on a major … Has two brothers, Devin (16) and Easton (9) ... His father played baseball for Utah Valley State College for four years ... Also enjoys hunting and fishing.

Walker’s Career Statistics Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GPD OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD % 2005 .365 30-13 63 18 23 5 0 0 8 28 .444 7 3 16 1 .452 0 0 1-3 75 22 7 .933

38 2006 UNLV Baseball Media Guide REBEL PROFILES

Albert Zerega SR - 1L 6-0 - 205 - C Long Beach, CA 9

UNLV: An experienced catcher who calls a good game behind the plate ... A solid defender who could become the starter for the Rebels ... Completely healthy after missing the end of last year due to an injury.

2005: Played in 12 games and started eight before he had to miss the last two months of the season due to injury ... Collected his first hit and RBI in a UNLV uniform on February 5 against Cal State Northridge.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: A 2004 graduate of Santa Ana College in Santa Ana, Calif. .. Played two seasons for the Dons ... Team went 66-22 in two seasons he played there, winning the Orange Empire Conference Championship both years ... Earned All-Orange Empire honors as a catcher two consecutive years.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Long Beach Poly ININ THE DUGOUT WITH High School in Long Beach, Calif. ... Was a three-year letterwinner at Long Beach Poly High School ... Earned all- ALBERT ZEREGA league honors in 2001 and 2002 ... Team won the conference championship in 2001 and placed third in the state in Favorite Food: Chicken 2003 ... Is a member of the Long Beach Poly High School Favorite Dessert: Protein Shake Hall of Fame. One thing you can’t live without: A razor What one place do you most want to visit: Fiji PERSONAL: Albert Zerega was born on Feb. 16, 1984, in Favorite actress: Angelina Jolie Los Alamitos, Calif. ... The son of Albert and Alma Zerega Favorite MLB team: New York Yankees ... Has a sister, Alexandra (19) ... Majoring in business ... Favorite TV Show: CSI Las Vegas Enjoys surfing and lifting weights. Favorite Athlete: Albert Pujols Favorite Band: The Game Favorite Movie: Scarface Favorite Book: Rich Dad, Poor Dad Favorite Quote: “Baseball is like church: many attend, few understand.” Nickname: ‘Z’

Zerega’s Career Statistics Year AVG GP-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GPD OB% SF SH SB-ATT PO A E FLD % 2005 .217 12-8 23 3 5 1 1 0 6 8 .348 6 0 4 1 .379 0 3 0-0 32 4 1 .973

Three-Time Mountain West Conference Champions 39 REBEL NEWCOMERS

and a senior … Helped his team win the 2001 Colorado state championship ... Squad advanced to the state semifinals his senior year … Played in the Area Code Games as a senior … Kelby Aase Earned all-region honors as a senior.

FR - HS PERSONAL: Calvin Ray Beamon III was born on May 8, 1984, in Aurora, Colo. … The son of Calvin Beamon Jr. and Elizabeth 6-3 - 205 - LHP Clark … Has a younger brother, Sean … Is the father of a son with his fiancé … Enjoys traveling and cars … Majoring in uni- Yorba Linda, CA versity studies. 27

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Esperanza High School in Jabe Beard Anaheim, Calif. … A three-year lettterwinner for the Aztecs … Helped the Aztecs reach the CIF quarterfinals in 2004 and 2005 … Was 4-0 with a 0.79 ERA in six starts as a senior SR - TR before undergoing season-ending elbow surgery … Head 6-2 - 205 - RHP coach was Mike Curran. Henderson, NV PERSONAL: Kelby Alexander Aase was born on March 13, 1987, in Orange, Calif. … The son of Don and Judy Aase … 32 Has an older brother, Kyle, and an older sister, Kallie … Father had an 18-year career in the major leagues, playing for the Angels, Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox and Orioles … Earned aca- TENNESSEE: Played for one year at the University of demic all-state honors … Enjoys wakeboarding, going to the Tennessee … Made 10 appearances for the Volunteers, start- gym and attending church ... Plans on majoring in communica- ing one game … Went 2-0 with a 4.56 ERA in 23.2 innings of tions. work … Struck out 18 batters against just six walks and gave up 13 runs with 12 of them earned. Calvin Beamon JUNIOR COLLEGE: A 2004 graduate of the Community College of Southern Nevada in Henderson, Nev. … Served as the ace of the pitching staff that helped lead CCSN (55-10) to SR - TR the 2003 NJCAA World Series title in just its fourth year of exis- tence ... Compiled a 20-5 mark in two years at CCSN, leading 6-1 - 195 - OF the Coyotes to the Scenic West Athletic Conference champi- Aurora, CO onships in 2003 and 2004 … Posted a 1.93 ERA in 84.0 innings with 85 strikeouts and 21 walks in 2003 ... In 2004, he 38 had a 3.46 ERA in 67.2 innings, striking out 70 and walking 19 ... Tossed four complete games in 13 starts with one shutout … Named to the 2003 American Baseball Coaches Association TEXAS: A member of the Longhorns' 2005 College World Division I Junior College All-America team as well as being the Series championship squad … Started 24 games and played in SWAC player of the year and an ABCA Western District All- 45 total … Hit .253 (25-99) with 14 RBI … Hit five doubles and Region selection ... Also selected to the JUCO World Series three triples … Stole five bases in eight attempts ... Went 2-8 with All-Tournament team ... Coached by Tim Chambers ...Played three runs scored in Texas’ three-game series against UNLV. with current teammates Calvin Beamon, Mike Cruz and Ryan Tabor. JUNIOR COLLEGE: Attended the Community College of Southern Nevada, graduating in 2004… Part of the Coyotes HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Foothill High School in squad that won the 2003 Junior College World Series Las Vegas, Nev. … Pitched and also played third base for Championship … Was named to the 2003 Scenic West Athletic Foothill … Hit .445 with 31 RBI as a senior … Earned All- Conference first team … Played with current Rebel shortstop Sunrise Region honors in 2002 … Had a 4-5 record with a 3.73 Mike Cruz on that squad … Hit .342 during the 2003 season ERA on the mound … Also was a three-year letterwinner in with one home run and 32 RBI … Added seven doubles and football as a linebacker and tight end. five triples … In 2004 he hit .295 with three home runs and 34 RBI … Stole 23 bases in 25 attempts … Played with current PERSONAL: Jabe Gregory Beard was born on Sept. 16, 1984, Rebel teammates Jabe Beard, Mike Cruz and Ryan Tabor. in Mission Viejo, Calif. … The son of Greg and Sheila Beard … Has a sister, Sage … Father lettered in football for USC in 1984 HIGH SCHOOL: A 2002 graduate of Smokey Hill High School and 1985 … Enjoys surfing, music, movies, golf and video in Cherry Creek, Colo … Earned all-state honors as a junior games … Plans on majoring in business management.

40 2006 UNLV Baseball Media Guide REBEL NEWCOMERS

Zach Borba Blake Gailen JR - TR JR - TR 6-0 - 195 - OF 5-10 - 175 - LHP Reno, NV Woodlands, CA 6 22

JUNIOR COLLEGE: A 2005 graduate of Columbia Basin JUNIOR COLLEGE: A 2005 graduate of Glendale Community College in Pasco, Wash. … Was a NWAACC 1st Team selec- College in California … During his freshman year he earned tion and gold glove winner last year … Hit .321 with four home- All-Western State Conference honors and then followed that by runs, 38 RBI, 26 extra-base hits and 15 stolen bases … Helped earning All-Southern California Team accolades as a sopho- lead his team to a pair of Eastern Regional Championships. more.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of McQueen High School in HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of El Camino Real High Reno, Nev. … A three-year letterwinner in baseball … Earned School in Woodlands, Calif. … A four-year letterwinner in first team all-state honors twice under head coach Brian baseball … Named first-team All-West Valley League in his jun- Nelson … Won three conference championships with the ior and senior seasons … Tossed a no-hitter as a senior and Lancers … During his senior season at McQueen he hit .460 went 19-4 over his final two prep seasons. with 15 homeruns … Also a three-year letterwinner in football as a quarterback. PERSONAL: Blake Shane Gailen was born on March 27, 1985, in Verdugo Hills, Calif. … The son of Scott and Charlene PERSONAL: Zachary Richard Borba was born on Oct. 25, Gailen … Has an older sister, Jenni … Hobbies include playing 1984, in Reno, Nev. … The son of Rick and Janet Borba … video games, cards and watching movies … Plans on majoring Has an older brother, Josh … Hobbies include golfing and fish- in communications. ing … Plans on majoring in business management. Robert Gamch Michael Brenly JR - TR FR - HS 5-10 - 180 - LHP 6-3 - 220 - C San Mateo, CA Scottsdale, AZ 33 18

JUNIOR COLLEGE: A 2005 graduate of the College of San HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Notre Dame Preparatory Mateo in San Mateo, Calif. … Played both baseball and foot- School in Scottsdale, Ariz. … Three-year letterwinner in baseball at San Mateo JC … Led San Mateo to a 39-8 record last ball … Helped the Saints win a conference championship his year and the Coast Conference Championship … Played with senior year … Earned first team All-Arizona honors and played CJ Lang, the current second baseman for UNLV. in the Arizona Super 50 all-star game in 2005 … Also earned three letters in basketball as a forward. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Aragon High School in San Mateo, Calif. ... Named to the 2003 spring all-league team PERSONAL: Mike Robert Brenly was born on Oct. 14, 1986 in as a senior. San Francisco, Calif. ... The son of Bob and Joan Brenly … Father played in the major leagues for nine seasons, managed PERSONAL: Robert A. Gamch was born Jan. 20, 1985, in San the Arizona Diamondbacks to the 2001 World Series title and Jose, Calif. … The son of Anthony Gamch and Carol Brown … is currently the color analyst for the Chicago Cubs on WGN-TV Plans on majoring in hotel management. … Has an older sister, Lacey … Hobbies include video games and hanging out with friends … Plans on majoring in university studies.

Three-Time Mountain West Conference Champions 41 REBEL NEWCOMERS

Troy Harlander Chad Miller FR - HS JR - TR 5-11 - 175 - OF 6-2 - 235 - INF Chaska, MN Gilbert, AZ 2 44

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Chaska High School in JUNIOR COLLEGE: A 2005 graduate of Chandler-Gilbert Chaska, Minn. … Earned three letters in baseball … Named Community College in Chandler, Ariz. … Helped the Coyotes all-section and All-Lake Conference in 2005 … Also lettered to records of 38-18 in 2004 and 34-20 in 2005. three times in both football and hockey … Was an all-state, all- conference and all-metro selection in football. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Mesquite High School in Gilbert, Ariz. … Earned three letters in baseball … Named the PERSONAL: Troy Michael Harlander was born on Oct. 21, Arizona Co-Player of the Year in 2003 as a senior … Took 1986, in Omaha, Neb. … The son of Mike and Maureen home first team all-state, all-conference and all-Arizona team Harlander … Has an older sister, Tricia, and a younger sister, honors during his final prep season … Was a honorable-men- Tara … Father played baseball at Nebraska and also spent tion all-conference selection as a junior … Lettered three times time in the New York Mets minor league system … Hobbies in football. include playing X-Box, boating and listening to music … Plans on majoring in university studies. PERSONAL: Chad J. Miller was born on Feb. 28, 1985, in Phoenix, Ariz. … The son of Randy Miller and Paige Julius … has a brother, Brett … Worked at his community church … Enjoys writing poetry and stories … Hobbies include movies, Kyle Kretchmer video games and music … Plans on majoring in university studies. FR - HS 6-6 - 225 - INF Adam Moser Carmel, CA 36 JR - TR 6-5 - 220 - RHP

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Carmel High School in Medicine Hat, AB Carmel, Calif. … A four-year letterwinner under head coach 28 Mike Kelly … Played primarily first base while also spending time as a DH … Earned All-Mission Trails Athletic League honors in baseball three times … Hit .442 as a senior, hitting 13 home runs with 41 RBI … Compiled a 7-1 record on the mound JUNIOR COLLEGE: A 2005 graduate from Midland College in with five saves as well in his final prep season … Also lettered Midland, Texas … A two-year letterwinner for the Chaps … four times in basketball, earning All-MTAC honors as a junior Went 7-4 with a 5.53 ERA in 2005 … Struck out 58 batters and senior. compared to just 14 walks last season … Tossed two complete games … Club went 38-16 in 2005 and 33-20 in 2004. PERSONAL: Kyle Christopher Kretchmer was born on Aug. 5, 1986, in Novato, Calif. … The son of Chris and Corleen HIGH SCHOOL: Attended McCoy High School in Medicine Kretchmer … Has a younger brother, Matt … Was on the honor Hat, Alberta, graduating in 2003 … Was a three-time letterwin- roll all four years of high school … Hobbies include fishing, ner for the Colts under head coach Wayne Schlosser ... Helped working out, eating and playing video games. his team earn the silver medal in the 2002 Canada Cup … Was a member of the 2003 Canadian Junior National Team.

PERSONAL: Adam Delmar Moser was born on August 12, 1985, in Medicine Hat, Alberta … The son of James and Valerie Moser … Enjoys playing his guitar … Majoring in physical edu- cation.

42 2006 UNLV Baseball Media Guide REBEL NEWCOMERS

Chris Saddoris Keith Smith JR - TR JR - TR 5-11 - 210 - LHP 6-0 - 190 - INF Mission Viejo, CA Anaheim, CA 31 14

JUNIOR COLLEGE: A 2005 graduate of Irvine Valley College JUNIOR COLLEGE: A 2005 graduate of Irvine Valley College in Irvine, Calif. … Named a California Community College All- in Irvine, Calif. … Led the Lasers with seven home runs and 13 American as a sophomore, becoming the first Laser to earn the doubles while his 32 RBI were second on the squad last sea- honor in the school's history … Earned All-Orange Empire son … Earned All-Orange Empire Conference honors in 2005 Conference honors in 2005 … Went 6-4 with a 1.79 ERA and … He helped Irvine to a school-record 27 wins and its first-ever 84 strikeouts in 105.1 innings of work … He helped Irvine to a trip to postseason play … Played with fellow Rebel newcomer school-record 27 wins and its first-ever trip to postseason play Chris Saddoris. … Played with fellow Rebel newcomer Keith Smith. HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Katella High School in HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Capistrano Valley High Anaheim, Calif. … Earned first team all-conference honors School in Mission Viejo, Calif. ... Earned one letter his senior twice and was named the Orange County Athlete of the Year in year under head coach Bob Zamora ... Helped the Cougars to 2002 … Also earned two letters in basketball. a 26-5 record and the South Coast League championship. PERSONAL: Keith Sterling Smith was born on July 16, 1984, PERSONAL: Christopher Thomas Saddoris was born on Dec. in Anaheim, Calif. … The son of Karen Jackson and Randy 25, 1984, in San Clemente, Calif. … The son of Clare Schaefer Smith … Has three siblings … Enjoys working on cars … Plans and Mark Saddoris … Has three brothers, Ken, Mike and Matt, on majoring in university studies. and three sisters, Karen, Kim and Victoria … Enjoys snow boarding and body boarding … Plans on majoring in university studies. Ryan Tabor Xavier Scruggs JR - TR 6-3 - 190 - LHP FR - HS Henderson, NV 6-2 - 190 - INF 17 Poway, CA

16 JUNIOR COLLEGE: A 2005 graduate of the Community College of Southern Nevada located in Henderson, Nev. … Went 8-1 with a 2.11 ERA in 2005 for the Coyotes … Struck out HIGH SCHOOL: A 2005 graduate of Poway High School in 55 batters and gave up 32 runs, 18 of them earned … Started Poway, Calif. … Lettered three times in baseball under head 14 games and pitched in 15 total contests. coach Bob Parry … Helped the Titans win the Palomar League Championship as a senior … Was named Poway's Male HIGH SCHOOL: A 2003 graduate of Green Valley High School Athlete of the Year in 2005 … Hit 11 home runs and drove in in Henderson, Nev. … A three-year letterwinner in baseball … 41 runs as a senior, earning team MVP honors as well as first Won state championships in 2001 and 2003 under head coach team All-CIF honors … Went 7-0 as a pitcher in 2005 as well Nick Garritano … Named All-Southern Nevada in 2001, 2002 … Lettered once in football as a tight end in 2004. and 2003 … Named his team's pitcher of the year in 2002 and 2003 ... Played there with current Rebel teammates Jabe PERSONAL: Xavier Scruggs was born Sept. 23, 1987, in Beard, Calvin Beamon and Mike Cruz. Diamond Bar, Calif. … The son of Emitte and Yvonne Scruggs … Has one brother, Dion … Hobbies include going to the gym PERSONAL: Ryan Douglas Tabor was born on Dec. 13, 1984 and watching TV … Undecided on a major. in Henderson, Nev. … The son of Wendy and Garrett Parr … Has an older sister, Rachel, and a younger brother, Michael… Majoring in university studies.

Three-Time Mountain West Conference Champions 43