LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV broke open a tight game with a pair of late offensive surges, erupting for 10 runs over the final two innings to defeat Milwaukee 14-4 in an eight-inning run-rule victory on Friday night at Earl E. Wilson Stadium.
HOW IT WENT DOWN: The Rebels (25-20) found themselves in a battle early, trailing 1-0 after an unearned run crossed for Milwaukee (15-28) in the third. But momentum quickly swung in the bottom half when Gavin Taylor delivered the first big blow of the night, launching a two-run homer to deep left field to give UNLV a 2-1 lead. The Panthers tied the game at 4-4 in the seventh inning, capitalizing on a sacrifice fly and earlier defensive miscues.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Rebels manufactured three runs without the benefit of a hit leaving the infield. Reggie Bussey's single and Marcos Rosales' walk set the table before a hit-by-pitch and a sequence of wild pitches and a passed ball brought home two runs. Nin Burns II added an RBI single to make it 7-4.
Sending 11 batters to the plate in the eighth inning, the Scarlet & Gray exploded for seven runs on five hits to trigger the run rule. Bussey was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in a run, Rosales followed with a sacrifice fly and Drew Barragan broke it open with a two-run single up the middle. Ayden Garcia, Burns II, and Jonny Rodriguez each added RBI singles, while Cooper Sheff capped the night with a sacrifice fly to center.
On the mound, UNLV received a steady start from Parker Dillhoff, who pitched the first six innings giving up three hits, three runs (two earned) with four walks and 11 strikeouts.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
-With Drew Barragan's 1-for-4 night, the redshirt senior has now reached base in all 44 games he has played in this season and has an on-base streak of 45 games dating back to his time at Western Kentucky last season.
-Ayden Garcia, Nin Burns II, Jonny Rodriguez, Gavin Taylor and Jack Salmon all collected a pair of hits.
-Ryan Marton was credited with his second win of the season after going 1.2 innings where he didn't allow a hit or walk and struck out two batters.
-Reggie Bussey is on a nine-game hitting streak.
UP NEXT: UNLV will play game two of the series against Milwaukee on Saturday, May 2 at 6:05 pm with the series finale on Sunday, May 3 at 12:05 pm.
