News Summary
In a thrilling finale to the regular season, the UNLV Rebels baseball team triumphed over the Air Force Falcons with a 9-8 victory. Despite falling behind early in the game, UNLV rallied to score five runs in the sixth inning, capitalizing on key errors from Air Force. With standout performances from players like O’Sullivan, who finished 4-for-4, the Rebels showcased resilience and determination. This victory not only capped a competitive season but also set the stage for their upcoming postseason challenges.
Las Vegas
The UNLV Hustlin’ Rebels baseball team concluded their regular season with a thrilling 9-8 victory against the Air Force Falcons in the final game of a three-game series. This win brings UNLV’s overall record to 31-22 and a 16-14 standing in the Mountain West Conference.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Air Force initially taking control by scoring four unearned runs in the first inning, largely thanks to a fielding error by UNLV. Chase Spencer then extended Air Force’s lead with a two-run home run in the second inning, pushing the score to 6-2. A third-inning double further increased the Falcon’s lead to 7-2.
Despite the early deficit, UNLV began to chip away at Air Force’s lead. JP Hefft hit a solo home run in the first inning, and Cole Koniarsky added an RBI groundout, narrowing the score to 4-2. Isaac Rodriguez scored during a fielder’s choice in the fourth inning, bringing the score to 7-3. UNLV managed to cut the gap further with a sacrifice fly from Chase Ditmar in the fifth inning, making it 7-4.
Air Force managed to score an unearned run in the sixth inning, extending their lead to 8-4. However, UNLV had other plans. The Rebels sparked a significant rally in the sixth inning, highlighted by Hefft and catcher Connor Tallakson being hit by pitches. Koniarsky’s RBI double started the surge, followed by a two-run double from Brendan O’Sullivan, further closing the gap to 8-7. A wild pitch allowed O’Sullivan to score the tying run, and Ditmar capitalized on a fielding error to enable Rodriguez to score the winning run.
In total, UNLV scored five runs in the sixth inning, achieving this feat with only three hits, as they effectively capitalized on Air Force’s errors. Once the Rebels took the lead, pitchers Cody Albright, Alex Navarrete, and Mason Dillow ensured that Air Force would not score again for the remainder of the game. Dillow showcased his skills by striking out the side in the eighth inning, securing his second save of the season.
Head Coach Stan Stolte commended the team for their resilience and highlighted the contributions of the senior players. Despite the victory, the celebrated hitting streak of player Toigo came to an end as he went 0-for-5 in the game. O’Sullivan, however, had an impressive outing, finishing the game 4-for-4 with two RBIs and one walk.
The Rebels utilized a total of five pitchers during the game, with Albright credited with his second win of the season. Looking ahead, UNLV is set to face San Diego State on May 21, 2025, at 6:05 PM.
This victory not only caps off a competitive regular season for UNLV but also sets the stage for their upcoming challenges in the postseason, fueling hopes for a strong presence in the Mountain West Conference play.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UNLV Rebels Secure Spot in Mountain West Baseball Tournament
UNLV Rebels Secure Walk-Off Victory Against Air Force
Las Vegas Homebuilding Market Faces Significant Slowdown
Las Vegas, Nevada Faces Housing Crisis Amid Urban Sprawl Concerns
Las Vegas Valley Ranked 27th Most Affordable Metro Area
Las Vegas Memorial Day Weekend Events
UNLV Hustlin’ Rebels Baseball Team Clinches Championship Spot
UNLV Commits to Mountain West Amidst Conference Turmoil
Shooting Incident at Las Vegas Gym Disrupts Weekend Events
UNLV Rebels Secure Series Victory Against Washington State
Additional Resources
- Air Force Falcons News
- UNLV Rebels News
- Sports Illustrated: Air Force vs UNLV Preview
- Air Force Falcons Season Conclusion
- Wikipedia: College Baseball
- Google Search: Air Force baseball
- Wikipedia: Mountain West Conference
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
