What’s been the problem this year?  It’s been getting quality starts, keeping leads, and winning a weekend series. 

On Saturday, the Dirtbags went 3-for-3.

Starter Jake Thompson hurled a beauty, going eight innings and giving up just one hit as the sophomore outdueled Rebel starter Tanner Peters for a 4-0 win to take the series.

Thompson, who threw 96 pitches, gave up just one hit in eight scoreless innings, striking out two and giving up no walks. Peters for UNLV was nearly as good, throwing seven innings and going through five nearly step-for-step with Thompson, as both teams put up zeros through the first three innings.

The Dirtbags finally broke the deadlock in the fourth inning. Rylan Sandoval was plunked to start the inning, and then after a bunt and a groundout, Sandoval would come home to score on a Kellen Hoime RBI single.

The Beach added more in the sixth. Sandoval again started the inning, singling to left field. After a steal from Sandoval, a bunt single by Derek Legg put runners at the corners, and a liner by Kellen Hoime extended the lead. Another bunt would score a second run in the inning, and Jonathan Jones singled home a third to give Long Beach State a 4-0 lead.

Thompson would go two more hitless innings before turning the ball over to Jason Markovitz, who pitched a scoreless ninth to preserve the shutout.

Long Beach State will try for the sweep over UNLV tomorrow, as the teams conclude a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 1pm at Blair Field.

Report By LBSU