LAS VEGAS – New Mexico clinched its weekend series at UNLV with a decisive offensive surge and another steady outing on the mound, as the Lobos (19-11-1, 5-3-1 MW) defeated the Rebels 12-2 Saturday afternoon at Earl E. Wilson Stadium.
With the win, UNM secured its second Mountain West series victory in as many weeks, breaking the game open with a trio of four spots and holding UNLV’s bats in check throughout.
The Lobos have now won five series in a row over the Hustlin' Rebels and their third in a row over them on the road, winning 12 of the last 15 matchups between the two teams.
RHP Ryan Castillo (6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K) delivered a composed start to earn the win, improving to 6-1 on the season, while RHP Diego Alvarez (3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K) closed out the final three innings to secure his first save of the year after starting on the mound in his previous seven appearances on the year.
The Lobos piled up 12 runs on 11 hits, with production spread throughout the lineup. Brodey Williams led the way with a 3-for-5 day and three RBI, while Akili Carris (2-for-3, 1 R, 4 RBI) drove in a game-high four runs. Anthony Diaz and Karsen Waslefsky added two RBI apiece on a pair of singles, with Luke Mansy (3 BB) scoring three times as UNM capitalized on consistent traffic on the bases.
After a scoreless opening frame, New Mexico struck first in the second inning with a four-run rally. Carris delivered a two-run single to center to plate Gene Trujillo and Luke Mansy before Diaz followed with a two-run single of his own to make it 4-0.
Castillo cruised through the early innings, retiring the side in order in the first and working around minimal traffic to keep the Rebels off the board until the sixth.
UNM broke the game open in the sixth, stringing together four runs on three hits. Williams delivered the key swing with a bases-clearing double down the right field line to score three, and Carris followed with an RBI single to push the lead to 8-1.
The Lobos added four more in the ninth to put the game out of reach. Carris lifted a sacrifice fly for his fourth RBI of the day, Khalil Walker drove in a run with a double, and Waslefsky capped the inning with a two-run single as UNM extended its lead to 12-1.
UNLV managed single runs in the sixth and ninth innings but never mounted sustained pressure against the Lobos’ pitching staff, finishing 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position to the Lobos’ 8-for-19.
ON DECK
The Lobos (19-11-1, 5-3-1 MW) return home to host Texas Tech in Albuquerque on Tuesday ahead of a home weekend series against San Diego State (April 10-12). All four games will be free to stream via the MW Network at GoLobos.com/Watch, with live stats available at GoLobos.com/BSBStats. Follow @UNMLoboBaseball on IG, X and Facebook for comprehensive coverage.