Lobos Run-Rule UNLV 13-3, Clinch Weekend Series
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico clinched its first Mountain West series win in dominant fashion in Saturday’s Game Two with UNLV at Santa Ana Star Field, erupting for 10 runs across the second, third, and fifth innings behind an eight-inning gem from RHP Ryan Castillo on the mound to roll past the Hustlin’ Rebels by a score of 13-3 in eight innings.
With the series secured, the Lobos (10-9, 2-0 MW) have now handed the Rebels (11-7, 0-2 MW) back-to-back losses for only the second time this season and first time since opening weekend in February. UNLV had won eight of its last 10 heading into Mountain West play, while the Lobos were coming off four consecutive losses on the road at Tarleton last weekend.
After the Rebels built an early 3-0 lead thanks to six hits through the first three frames, the Lobos responded with three runs in the second before breaking the game open with a five-run third. They tacked on two more in the fifth and sealed the victory with a three-run eighth that ended the game before it could get to the final frame, finishing with 14 hits while limiting the Rebels to just three runs on eight knocks of their own.
Six different Lobos recorded multiple hits and five drove in multiple runs as UNM cracked double-digit team hits for the second game in a row and 12th time this season, led by Akili Carris (3-for-4, 3 R, 2B), Josh McAlister (2-for-3, 3 R, 2B, 2 RBI), Ethan Ott (2-for-3, 2 R, RBI), and Caleb Herd (2-for-3, HR, 4 RBI). Karsen Waslefsky (3-for-4, 5 RBI, 2B) delivered a career-high five RBIs, driving in a run in four of his at-bats and drawing a walk in the other.
On the mound, Ryan Castillo (8.0 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 8 K) needed no assistance to turn in a career-best performance and earn the win to improve to 3-1 on the season, setting new highs in both innings pitched and strikeouts — in total, the sophomore threw 105 pitches, with 74 of them for strikes. The right-hander gained momentum even as his pitch count rose, retiring 13 of the final 15 batters he faced and allowing just two hits after the fourth inning.
ON DECK
With the series win in hand, the Lobos (10-9, 2-0 MW) can go for the weekend sweep in Sunday’s finale, set for a 12 p.m. MT first pitch. All of this weekend’s series will be broadcast free via the MW Network at GoLobos.com/Watch, with live stats, streaming options and more available via GoLobos.com/BSBGameDay. Follow @UNMLoboBaseball on IG, X and Facebook for comprehensive coverage, promotional updates, behind-the-scenes content and more.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
⚾️ #MWBSB Highlights from @UNMLoboBaseball‘s 13-3 win over UNLV pic.twitter.com/0IaCfRp8Hx
— Mountain West (@MW_OlySports) March 15, 2025