LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The Hustlin' Rebels (19-20, 6-12 MW) suffered a 6-3 loss to New Mexico (22-17, 10-8 MW) Sunday afternoon in the third game of their Mountain West series at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. The Rebels tied the game in both the second and fifth inning, but a UNM run in the sixth and two more in the seventh flipped the game in the Lobos' favor.
HOW IT WENT DOWN: The Lobos struck first in the top of the second when Josh McAlister launched a two-run homer to right field, following a walk and a single. UNLV responded with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning, capitalizing on a fielding error and a fielder's choice to tie things at 2-2. New Mexico reclaimed the lead in the third, 3–2, when Ethan Ott grounded out to shortstop, bringing home a run after a leadoff double by Will Asby. The Hustlin' Rebels continued to battle, leveling the score once more in the fifth on an RBI double by Brendan O'Sullivan that plated Cole Konniarsky. The Lobos added the go-ahead run in the sixth when Karsen Waslesfky, who entered as a pinch runner earlier in the game, delivered an RBI single up the middle. A two-run seventh inning, fueled by a wild pitch, a throwing error and a sac fly from Akili Carris, extended New Mexico's lead to 6–3. UNLV was held hitless in the sixth and eighth innings and stranded one in the ninth after Chase Gallegos singled to lead off the final frame. The Rebels finished with nine hits but went 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left seven on base. On the mound, UNLV's bullpen couldn't keep the Lobos off the board after starter Sam Simon exited after four innings of work. New Mexico reliever Luke Wiseman picked up the win in relief, while Ty Cunningham notched the save after a clean eighth and ninth.
QUOTABLE: "Can't score three runs on a getaway day and expect to win in this conference. The two innings we scored, New Mexico did a good job answering right away to go back ahead. Can't gain ground losing the series with four weeks left. The rope is getting shorter."
-Head Coach Stan Stolte
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Cooper Sheff led the Hustlin' Rebels with a 2-for-4 afternoon, while O'Sullivan and Gallegos both drove in a run.
- Both teams recorded nine hits apiece.
- Alex Navarette was credited with the loss after going 2.1 innings of work where he gave up three earned runs on four hits.
UP NEXT: UNLV will hit the road for a single game against UC Riverside on Tuesday, April 22 at 2:05 p.m. before they head back home to face San Diego State for a three-game series.
