LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The Hustlin' Rebels (21-20, 7-12 MW) stormed back with a five-run seventh inning to earn an 8-5 win over San Diego State (15-28, 10-9 MW) in the opening game of their three-game series on Friday night at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. Isaac Rodriguez's pinch hit home run sparked the five-run seventh as his timely home run got the Rebel bats going.
HOW IT WENT DOWN: After jumping out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning thanks to some timely hitting and a costly error by the Aztecs, UNLV saw its lead erased and then surpassed as San Diego State plated three in the fourth and two more in the sixth to take a 5-3 advantage. Furthermore, UNLV starting pitcher Carson Lane retired the first 10 batters he faced before giving up a one-out walk. Aztecs slugger Nevan Noonan got SDSU on the board with a two-run homer in the fourth and later drew a walk in the sixth to help set up another run-scoring rally that was capped by a Daniel Arambula RBI double and a sacrifice fly from Jonathan Smith. Down by two, the Hustlin' Rebels sparked their comeback with a pinch hit solo shot from Isaac Rodriguez in the bottom of the seventh, his first home run of the year. After back-to-back singles and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, Cole Konairsky worked a bases-loaded walk to tie the game at 5-5. Brendan O'Sullivan followed with a two-RBI single to right, giving UNLV the lead for good. The Rebels tacked on one more when O'Sullivan and Koniarsky advanced on a wild pitch. Elijah Rodriguez continued his steady play at the plate, finishing with three hits and two runs scored. UNLV's bullpen, led by reliever Will Marquart and closer Alex Overbay, held the Aztecs scoreless over the final three innings to lock down the win. San Diego State put runners on in the eighth and ninth, but UNLV's defense turned two crucial double plays to squash any comeback hopes.
QUOTABLE: "Big hit for Isaac Rodriguez to get us going. We're facing a very good pitcher tomorrow, and it's going to be a tough series."
-Head Coach Stan Stolte
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Elijah Rodriguez recorded his fifth game of at least three hits, going 3-for-5
- Carson Lane went six innings where he gave up four hits on four earned runs, three walks and seven strikeouts.
- O'Sullivan went 1-for-4 with three RBI
- Marquart was credited with his fourth win of the season, all in relief, as he went two innings with one hit allowed on one walk and two strikeouts.
- Overbay collected his fourth save of the season and he struck out a pair of Aztec batters.
- UNLV turned a pair of key double plays in the seventh and eighth inning.
UP NEXT: UNLV will return to face the Aztecs Saturday, April 26 at 6:05 pm before closing out the series on Sunday, April 27 at 12:05 p.m.
