LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – Two back-to-back RBI triples in the bottom of the fourth propelled the UNLV baseball team to a 2-1 lead to overpower Air Force, 6-1, during the conference home-opener Friday night at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. 

The Rebels saw their record improve to 10-8 (4-0 MW), while the Falcons fell to 6-10 (1-2 MW).

REBEL OF THE GAME: Hank Zeisler went 2-for-4 at the plate with two RBI, including one of the RBI triples, and two runs scored.

TURNING POINT: The Scarlet & Gray held a 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the sixth, only to secure their lead with three RBIs from Zeisler, Braden Murphy and Eric Bigani. 

Josh Ibarra (3-0) earned the win after pitching 5.0 innings and allowing one run on five hits and striking out 10.

Nick Rupp (S,3) recorded his third save of the season after going 3.1 innings of relief, allowing two hits, zero runs and six strikeouts.

Paul Skenes (1-2) was saddled with his second loss of the season after pitching 5.0 innings, allowing two runs on three hits and six strikeouts. 

UP NEXT: UNLV will continue the three-game conference home-opening series against Air Force Saturday at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. First pitch is slated for 1:05 p.m.

-UNLV-