LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels turned a close game into a rout with a massive second inning, cruising to a 16-1 victory over the Western Michigan Broncos in a nonconference baseball game Wednesday at Earl Wilson Stadium.

The game, which started in the afternoon and concluded under the lights, saw the Runnin’ Rebels (7-2) break open a 2-1 contest by sending 11 batters to the plate in the bottom of the second, scoring five runs, all unearned, to seize control. The Broncos (2-6) managed just five hits and were plagued by defensive miscues that UNLV capitalized on repeatedly.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in that decisive second inning. After Western Michigan starter Sam Carlisle walked Jack Salmon and was relieved by Zach Vriesenga, a fielding error by Vriesenga on a Jayden Hertel grounder set the stage. Marcos Rosales followed with an RBI single to make it 3-1. The next batter, Drew Barragan, launched a three-run homer to deep left field, clearing the bases. Nin Burns II immediately followed with a solo shot to left, capping the five-run, two-homer outburst that extended the lead to 7-1 and effectively put the game out of reach.

UNLV starter Yates Bland was the star on the mound, earning the win with five strong innings. He allowed one earned run on five hits, striking out four and walking none. His performance set the tone and provided stability as the offense built its large lead.

The Runnin’ Rebels’ offense never relented, adding four runs in the third inning and another four in the fourth. Key contributions came throughout the lineup. Barragan finished 2 for 5 with the three-run homer. Gavin Taylor doubled and drove in two runs. Jonny Rodriguez had a two-run single in the first inning to open the scoring. In total, UNLV collected 10 hits and took advantage of six Western Michigan errors and 10 walks issued by Broncos pitching.

Western Michigan’s lone run came in the third inning. Tanner Mally singled, stole second, advanced to third on an error and scored on an RBI single by Drew Howard. Connor Ostrander had two of the Broncos’ five hits, including a double.

After Bland exited, the UNLV bullpen was flawless. Colton Sundloff and Tate Foxson each pitched a perfect inning of relief to seal the win. For Western Michigan, relievers Mason Pilarski and Zach Vriesenga each provided a scoreless inning of work.

The victory gave UNLV a sweep of the brief two-game midweek series after a 9-5 win on Tuesday. The Runnin’ Rebels have now won five of their last six games. Western Michigan has lost four of its last five.

Both teams travel for weekend series starting Friday. UNLV heads to California for a three-game set at Santa Clara. Western Michigan continues its lengthy season-opening road trip with three games at Cal State Northridge.

The lopsided result defied the pregame projections from Interstat, whose game simulator had predicted a 9-3 UNLV victory and whose ELO system gave the Runnin’ Rebels a 66.2% chance to win. The actual margin was significantly wider, underscored by UNLV’s explosive second inning that transformed the contest.