RIVERSIDE, Calif. (UNLVRebels.com) - The Hustlin' Rebels (20-20) scored five unanswered runs in the top of the ninth inning to defeat UC Riverside, 7-6 on Tuesday afternoon at the Riverside Sports Complex. With the win, UNLV completed the season sweep of the Highlanders (13-25) as they defeated UCR 10-4 at home on March 11.
HOW IT WENT DOWN: UC Riverside had taken control earlier with a four-run fifth inning, highlighted by RBI doubles from David Whittle and Diego Boardman. The Highlanders outhit UNLV 13 to 11, but stranded 11 runners and couldn't contain the Rebels in the final inning. Trailing 6–2 heading into the final frame, the Hustlin' Rebels mounted a furious comeback that featured six consecutive hits, a wild pitch and clutch hitting up and down the lineup. The top of the ninth inning began quietly with a pop-out by Gunnar Myro, but things quickly unraveled for UCR as UNLV's bench delivered. Pinch-hitter Mikey Cruz Jr. got the rally going with a single, followed by back-to-back hits from pinch-hitter Vince Gamberdella and second baseman Jayden Hertel, loading the bases. Dean Toigo slapped an RBI single to left center, and Elijah Rodriguez followed with a base hit of his own, bringing UNLV within one run. Moments later, Hertel dashed home on a wild pitch to tie the game 6–6, and JP Hefft, who had been a standout at the plate all game, delivered the go-ahead blow with a two-run single up the middle to cap the five-run ninth. Hefft went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI, including the game-winning runs. Rodriguez added two hits and two RBI, while Cole Koniarsky reached base twice and scored once. UNLV's bullpen combined for 5.1 scoreless innings, with Will Marquart slamming the door in the ninth for the save after surrendering a two-out single.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- JP Hefft went 3-for-5 and drove in the winning runs in the top of the ninth inning.
- Hefft recorded his team-high sixth stolen base of the season.
- Brendan O'Sullivan went 2-for-4 and now has seven multi-hit games.
- Hefft's fourth-inning double was the lone Rebel extra-base hit of the contest.
- Marquart was credited with his first save of the season after coming into relief in the ninth where he retired three of the four batters he faced.
- The teams combined to use 14 pitchers: eight by UNLV and six by UC Riverside.
UP NEXT: UNLV will head back home to face San Diego State for a three-game series beginning April 25 at 6:05 p.m.
