LINK: Diamond 'Dogs snag series opener from Rebels
LAS VEGAS – The Fresno State baseball team extended their win streak against UNLV with a 6-5 nailbiter win over the Hustlin' Rebels at Earl E. Wilson on Thursday night.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bulldogs took an early lead as Eddie Saldivar crushed a home run to right center and Tommy Hopfe went yard down the right-field line.
An RBI double put the Rebels on the board for the first time in the bottom of the second. UNLV took the lead with a two-run homer.
The Rebels made it a 4-2 game with a solo shot to left field in the bottom of the seventh.
Grady Morgan hit the Bulldogs' third home run of the night to give Fresno State a 5-4 lead, scoring Rocco Peppi and Tommy Hopfe in the top of the eighth.
UNLV knotted the score at five in the bottom of the frame with a solo home run in right field.
Bobby "Barrels" Blandford took matters into his own hands in the top of the ninth with a leadoff homer to score the go-ahead run.
Tommy Hopfe stepped on the mound to close and struck out the side to lock in a 6-5 victory for the Bulldogs.
NOTES
With the win, Fresno State has now won seven straight games over the Rebels, dating back to the 2023 season.
Rocco Peppi has reached base in 25 straight games, the longest streak on the team.
Fresno State hit four home runs, tying a team season-best set against Columbia earlier this season.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs return to Earl E. Wilson Stadium Friday night to face the Rebels at 6 p.m. PT.