The UNLV Hustlin’ Rebels defeated the Fresno State Bulldogs 11-6 on May 8, following a strong performance in the final innings at Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium. The Rebels were led by two home runs from Nin Burns II and a decisive rally in the seventh inning.
The game was close until the seventh, with UNLV trailing 4-2 before scoring nine unanswered runs across the seventh and eighth innings. Burns II opened scoring for UNLV with a solo home run in the second inning. Gunnar Myro added another run in the third, while starter Parker Dillhoff held Fresno State scoreless through four innings.
Fresno State took its first lead in the sixth after Sky Collins hit a three-run homer, but UNLV responded quickly. With two outs in the seventh, Myro and Marcos Rosales singled before Jonny Rodriguez drove in a run. Drew Barragan followed with a two-run double and scored on an error to put UNLV ahead. Burns II then hit his second home run of the night to extend their lead.
In the eighth inning, Rodriguez delivered a grand slam to give UNLV an 11-4 advantage. Out of the bullpen, Jase Evangelista pitched two scoreless innings to help secure victory despite late attempts by Fresno State to rally.
Notable performances included Barragan reaching base for his 47th consecutive game this season, Burns II hitting his eighth home run of the year, Rodriguez going 2-for-5 with five RBI and his own eighth homer of the season, Rosales collecting multiple hits for his nineteenth multi-hit game this year, and Myro extending his hitting streak to eleven games. Dillhoff earned his fourth win after striking out nine batters over six innings.
UNLV will face Fresno State again on Saturday afternoon for game two of their series, with another matchup scheduled for Sunday.
