Fresno State defeated the UNLV baseball team 14-13 in a closely contested game at Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium, according to a May 10 announcement from UNLV. The Rebels built an early five-run lead before Fresno State mounted a comeback with an eight-run fifth inning and held off late rallies to secure the win.
The outcome matters for both teams as it affects their standings and momentum heading into the final games of the regular season. The Rebels, now with a record of 28-23 overall and 9-12 in Mountain West play, saw their advantage slip away despite several strong offensive performances.
UNLV started strong when Reggie Bussey doubled and scored on an error in the first inning. Gavin Taylor hit a three-run home run in the fourth, followed by additional runs from Nin Burns II and Jayden Hertel in the fifth to make it 6-1. However, Fresno State responded with seven hits during their half of the fifth inning, including a three-run homer by Marcus Nolen that put them ahead.
Late in the game, Jack Salmon hit a two-run homer for UNLV while Drew Barragan tied it up with a three-run shot. Despite these efforts, Owen Faust’s two-run home run for Fresno State restored their lead in the eighth inning. In the ninth, Jonny Rodriguez homered again for UNLV but Fresno State pitcher Douglas Crystal closed out the game with runners on base.
Head Coach Stan Stolte said after the loss: “Tough one to lose today, couldn’t be prouder offensively, they battled all weekend to the end. Obviously, the bullpen let us down today, was hard to overcome. We still are in it, we have a really solid San Diego State team coming to town, we’ll have to play well for any chance of success.” Rodriguez hit five home runs during this series and Barragan has reached base safely in every game this season.
UNLV will finish its regular season at home against San Diego State from May 14 through May 16.
