University of Arizona Athletics

TUCSON, Ariz.- Freshmen Sean Rierson and Anthony Sulser combined to toss a five hit shutout for Arizona in an 8-0 win over New Mexico (0-5) at Sancet Field, Friday afternoon. The win is the second in a row for the Wildcats (7-7) and is the first Arizona shutout since Jan. 28, 1999.

Rierson (1-2) was impressive all afternoon as the first-year Wildcat scattered five Lobo hits over an Arizona season-high eight innings pitched. Three of the hits came in the third inning resulting in a bases loaded situation that the Phoenix, Ariz., native worked out of to keep the score even at 0-0. The right-hander did not allow a runner to advance past first from then on earning the first victory of his Wildcat career. Sulser worked a perfect ninth inning to preserve the shutout and the victory.

Offensively, Ernie Durazo got thing started for the Wildcats in the third inning with a two run triple down the right field line that scored Erik Torres and Brad Hassey to make the score 2-0. The Cats would add four more an inning later on RBI singles by Kenny Huff and Torres and another two run triple, this one off the bat of Hassey, to stake the Wildcats to a six run lead. Huff would tally his first home run of the season, a solo shot, in the seventh to make it 7-0. Marc Kasier, subbing at third for Torres who finished the day 3-for-4, would round out the scoring with an RBI single to right, plating Hassey for his third run of the game.

Of note, Ernie Durazo saw his hitting streak extend to a career high tying 17 games with the triple in the third. Brad Hassey was 2-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored.

The Cats will look for the series sweep tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Sancet Field.