LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV baseball bounced back in a big way Friday night, riding an explosive first two innings to a 10-3 victory over New Mexico (21-17, 9-8 MW) in the second game of the series at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. Reese Lueck's career-high outing on the mound and Dean Toigo's two RBI, including his 11th home run of the season, was the difference maker.

HOW IT WENT DOWN: After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, the Rebels wasted no time answering back, exploding for four runs in the bottom half of the inning. It started with back-to-back singles from leadoff man Dean Toigo and Elijah Rodriguez, followed by a string of disciplined at-bats that led to three walks, two RBI and eventually a sacrifice fly from Brendan O'Sullivan. By the time the dust settled, UNLV had sent 11 batters to the plate and taken a commanding 4-1 lead.  The Hustlin' Rebels tacked on two more runs thanks to RBI hits from O'Sullivan and Chase Gallegos, pushing the lead to 6-1. The offensive surge gave starter Lueck a comfortable cushion, which he protected through five solid innings of work. New Mexico briefly threatened in the fourth with a two-run triple from designated hitter Josh McAlister, trimming the deficit to 6-3. UNLV quickly regained momentum in the bottom of the fifth when Toigo launched a solo home run, his second hit of the game, into the right field bleachers. From there, the Rebels bullpen held firm as Will Marquart and Alex Overbay combined for two innings of scoreless relief, striking out three and allowing just three hits. UNLV closed the door in the eighth with three insurance runs, helped by a clutch RBI single from Toigo and a sacrifice fly from Rodriguez. A New Mexico error allowed another run to score. Lueck posted his second win of the season with a career-high seven innings pitched with six hits, three runs, two walks and a career-high seven strikeouts.

QUOTABLE: "Total opposite of last night with wind blowing in, balls got knocked down and it came down to who threw more strikes and played solid defense. Lueck did a great job attacking the zone with a lead and the conditions made it hard for New Mexico to get anything going."
-Head Coach Stan Stolte

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Toigo led the Rebels with a 3-for-6 night where he hit his team-high 11th home run of the season and second straight game with a home run.
- Cole Koniarsky and Gallegos added two walks and an RBI apiece.
- The Rebels drew 13 total walks.
- Lueck earned his second win of the campaign where he struck out a career-high seven batters.