LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - In a dramatic reversal of fortune, UNLV overcame a 9-4 deficit to defeat Utah Valley, 15-11, in an action-packed baseball game on Monday night at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. The Hustlin' Rebels (17-15) rallied late in the game, scoring seven unanswered runs in eighth to secure the victory against the Wolverines (21-11)

HOW IT WENT DOWN: ​Utah Valley struck early in the game, taking a 3-0 lead in the first inning. After a hit by pitch, a throwing error, and a series of timely hits, the UVU capitalized on unearned runs to grab the early advantage. In the second inning, they extended their lead to 4-1, thanks to a fielding error by the Rebels, and managed to hold onto the lead through the first four innings. UNLV, however, began to mount their comeback in the bottom of the fourth. After falling behind by three runs, 4-1, UNLV exploded for three runs to tie the game at 4-4. Elijah Rodriguez played a crucial role, launching a two-run homer to center field, and Chase Ditmar followed suit with a solo shot to left-center. The game's pivotal moment came in the bottom of the sixth inning, when UNLV put together a stunning offensive surge. With the score 9-4 in favor of Utah Valley, the Rebels scored four runs, narrowing the deficit to 9-8. Rodriguez contributed with a solo home run, his second home run of the game, while Paul Myro IV, Nicky Garritano, and a series of strategic hits and errors brought the Rebels to within one run. 

Trailing 11-8 as the bottom of the eighth began, the UNLV rally started with Nicky Garritano striking out swinging, but a walk to pinch hitter Mikey Cruz Jr., followed by a pinch-running appearance from Jayden Hertel, ignited the offensive surge. Dean Toigo then singled to center field, advancing Hertel to second. A patient at-bat by Cole Koniarsky walked to load the bases for UNLV with no outs. From there, Rodriguez came through with a crucial single to left field, driving in Hertel for the first run of the inning. After a popout by Gunnar Myro, Ditmar reached base on a fielding error by Utah Valley's third baseman, allowing Koniarsky and Toigo to score unearned runs, tying the game at 11-11. Pinch hitter Cooper Sheff delivered a key two-run single to left, scoring Ditmar and Rodriguez, pushing the Rebels ahead for the first time in the game, 13-11. Myro IV then reached on a fielding error by the shortstop and stole second, advancing to third on a throwing error by the catcher. Sheff scored another unearned run, increasing the lead to 14-11. The final blow came from Garritano, who singled to shortstop, bringing Myro IV home for the Rebels' seventh run of the inning and a commanding 15-11 advantage. Although Hertel grounded out to third to end the inning, the damage was done. Alex Overbay came in to relief in the top of the ninth and struck out the final three batters he faced to end the game.

QUOTABLE: "Just a poorly played midweek game we were fortunate to win. Both teams came off conference games and looked sloppy. Appreciate any fan who sat through that."
-Head Coach Stan Stolte

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
-Elijah Rodriguez hit his first two home runs of her Rebel career, going 3-for-4 with four RBI and a walk.
-Michael Taylor was credited with the win after going three innings with six strikeouts and gave up one earned run on one hit
-10 combined errors were committed in this game, with six from UNLV and four from Utah Valley.
-14 different UNLV players recorded an at-bat

UP NEXT: The Rebels will close out the two-game home series against Utah Valley on Tuesday, April 7 at 2:05 p.m.

-UNLV-