LAS VEGAS – The UNLV baseball team (2-1) experienced a mixed bag of results Saturday, splitting a doubleheader with Austin Peay (1-2) at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. The Rebels rallied for a 9-8 victory in the opener before falling 5-3 in the nightcap, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive challenges in their early-season contests. The series continues Sunday with the final game scheduled for 12:05 PM PT.
The day began with a thrilling arrive-from-behind win for UNLV. After falling behind early, the Rebels demonstrated resilience, ultimately securing a 9-8 win in a game marked by momentum swings and clutch hitting. The second game, however, told a different story, as Austin Peay seized control early and maintained a lead throughout, ultimately winning 5-3. This split doubleheader highlights the early-season inconsistencies often seen in college baseball, as teams refine their lineups and strategies.
Rebels Rally for Game One Victory
The opening game was a back-and-forth affair. Austin Peay initially took a 3-1 lead in the second inning, capitalizing on a sacrifice fly, an RBI bunt single, and another sacrifice bunt. UNLV responded with a run in the first on a sacrifice fly by Nin Burns II, and narrowed the gap in the third when Jonny Rodriguez grounded out to score Ayden Garcia following a defensive miscue. Despite Austin Peay’s continued threats in the fourth and fifth innings, the Rebel pitching staff managed to limit the damage.
The turning point arrived in the sixth inning. Rodriguez led off with a double, and Drew Barragan followed with a towering two-run home run to deep left field, giving UNLV its first lead at 4-3. The Rebels extended their advantage in the seventh, with Jack Salmon scoring on Garcia’s RBI single and Burns II adding a two-run blast to left, pushing the lead to 7-3. UNLV added two more runs in the eighth, stretching the advantage to 9-3.
Austin Peay refused to concede, mounting a furious rally in the ninth inning, scoring five runs on a combination of walks, hit batters, and wild pitches. The tying run reached base, creating a tense moment, but the UNLV bullpen ultimately closed the door, preserving the 9-8 victory. Salmon led the Rebels offensively with multiple hits and stolen bases, while Barragan and Burns II provided the crucial power with their home runs. Cody Albright was credited with the win after four innings of relief operate, striking out three and allowing only two hits and two walks. Jacob Gomberg secured his first save, striking out the final batter of the game.
Governors Control Game Two
The nightcap saw a reversal of fortunes, with Austin Peay taking control early and never relinquishing the lead. The Governors opened the scoring with a grand slam by Cole Johnson in the first inning, quickly establishing a 4-0 cushion. They added an unearned run in the third, capitalizing on a wild pitch to extend their lead to 5-0.
UNLV struggled to generate offense early, finally breaking through in the fifth when Jayden Hertel scored on a passed ball. They added another run in the sixth as Salmon crossed the plate during a double-play ball. In the seventh inning, Marcos Rosales provided a spark off the bench with a pinch-hit solo home run to left, cutting the deficit to 5-3. Despite settling in after the first inning, UNLV pitching couldn’t contain the Governors enough to mount a full comeback. Austin Peay’s defense turned key double plays in the ninth inning to thwart any late-game rally attempts.
Drew Barragan, Marcos Rosales, and Nin Burns II all hit their first home runs of the season during the doubleheader. This is the first time UNLV has won two of its first three games since the 2024 season. The Rebels utilized a total of nine pitchers across both games, with Tate Foxon standing out in game two, pitching two innings of relief and striking out four batters while allowing only one hit and one walk.
Looking Ahead
UNLV and Austin Peay will conclude their series at Earl E. Wilson Stadium on Sunday, February 15, at 12:05 pm PT. The final game offers the Rebels an opportunity to secure the series win and build momentum as they navigate the early stages of the season. Fans can watch the game on YouTube.
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