USAFA, Colo. (UNLVRebels.com) - A fast start for UNLV was erased by a pair of big innings from Air Force as the Falcons pulled away for a 16-5 victory in seven innings Friday afternoon in the Mountain West opener at Erdle Field.

UNLV (13-6, 0-1 MW) jumped out to an early advantage, plating three runs in the second inning to take the lead. After Nin Burns II drew a walk, Jonny Rodriguez delivered an RBI double to left-center to tie the game at 1-1. Later in the inning, Gunnar Myro reached on a fielder's choice that brought home two runs, giving the Rebels a 3–1 edge. The Rebels added to their lead in the third as Drew Barragan opened the frame with a double and later scored on a single from Burns II. Rodriguez followed with another RBI double, pushing the UNLV lead to 5-2.

Air Force (4-11, 1-0 MW) quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning. Taking advantage of a pair of UNLV errors, the Falcons strung together three hits and scored four runs to flip the game and take a 6-5 lead. The Falcons extended their advantage in the fifth when Tripp Garrish launched a two-run home run to right field, making it 8-5. UNLV threatened in the sixth as Jack Salmon and Myro collected back-to-back singles, but the Rebels were unable to bring either runner home.

Air Force then broke the game open with a massive eight-run sixth inning. Wyatt Hanoian highlighted the rally with a two-run single, Luke Elmore added a two-run hit and Landon Boyd capped the surge with a towering three-run home run to deep center field. UNLV was retired in order in the seventh as the game ended via the run rule.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
-Jonny Rodriguez paced the Rebels offensively, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBI.
-Nin Burns II added a hit, an RBI and a run scored.
-Drew Barragan also doubled and scored a run.
-Carson Lane was credited with the loss after going 5.0 innings where he gave up eight runs, all earned, seven hits, three walks and three strikeouts.

UP NEXT: UNLV will play a doubleheader against Air Force on Saturday, March 14 with game one beginning at 9 a.m. PT followed by game two 40 minutes after the conclusion of game one.