USAFA, Colo. (UNLVRebels.com) - The Hustlin' Rebels (18-17, 5-9 MW) fell 6-4 against Air Force (13-22, 6-8 MW) on Saturday afternoon at Erdle Field. UNLV scored three runs in the top of the fifth inning to cut the deficit to one, but the Falcons responded by scoring an insurance run in the bottom of the frame and added another run in the seventh inning. The Rebels; however, had their own opportunities to push across some runs in the eighth, but a pair of runners were left on base during that stretch.

HOW IT WENT DOWN: After a scoreless first two innings from both squads, the Falcons broke things open in the bottom of the third. Following a leadoff single and fielder's choice, Air Force's Alex Adams kicked off the scoring with an RBI double down the left field line. T.J. Oster added another run with a single and designated hitter Walker Zapp delivered a two-run homer, capping a four-run frame. The Rebels responded in the fifth with a three-run rally of their own. After an RBI double from Paul Myro IV and a run-scoring single from JP Hefft, Dean Toigo's RBI double closed the gap to 4-3. However, Air Force added a run in the bottom half of the inning on a Tripp Garrish double, aided by a Rebel throwing error, to push their lead back to two. UNLV got a run back in the seventh when Hefft doubled and scored on an RBI two-bagger from Elijah Rodriguez to make it 5-4. Air Force answered with a two-out RBI double from Zach Peters in the bottom of the inning to restore a two-run cushion. The Hustlin' Rebels had opportunities late, but left two runners aboard in the eighth and were retired in order in the ninth. In total, UNLV left 11 runners on base, including three in both the fifth and seventh innings.

QUOTABLE: "We just made numerous mistakes throughout the game that makes it so hard to overcome. Air Force always shows up to play and they make you pay when you don't play good, detailed quality baseball."
-Head Coach Stan Stolte

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Koniarsky has stretched his hitting streak to seven games after going 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles.
- Hefft, Rodriguez, Toigo and Myro IV all drove in one run apiece.
- Dwight Allen II notched his third multi-hit game of the season as the fifth-year senior went 2-for-4 against the Falcons.
- Reese Lueck was credited with his second loss of the season after going five innings in relief where he surrendered 11 hits on five earned runs with one walk and two strikeouts.

UP NEXT: UNLV and Air Force will close out the three-game series on Sunday, April 13 at 11 a.m. PT.

-UNLV-