Preview: Cal State Fullerton Titans at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — A midweek nonconference clash with contrasting momentum is set for Tuesday at Earl Wilson Stadium as the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels host the Cal State Fullerton Titans.

The Runnin’ Rebels (13-6) enter having dropped their last outing, a 16-5 road loss to Air Force on March 13. First baseman Jonny Rodriguez provided a bright spot in that defeat, going 2 for 3 with two RBIs. He is batting .333 (5 for 15) over his last five games.

UNLV had won seven of eight prior to the Air Force series, including an 11-10 victory over UC Riverside on March 10.

The visiting Titans (10-9) are riding a four-game winning streak, having just swept a weekend series from UC Irvine. They won the finale 8-6 on Sunday, powered by a two-hit, three-RBI day from left fielder Nick Miller and two RBIs from center fielder Cam Burdick.

A key figure in that series win was reliever Bobby Mahoney, who earned the victory Sunday with 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out four. Over his last three appearances, Mahoney has pitched 7.0 innings, surrendering just two earned runs while fanning nine batters.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a high-scoring affair, predicting a 7-6 victory for UNLV. However, the same service’s ELO rating system gives Cal State Fullerton a slight edge, with a 50.40% probability to win.

Following Tuesday’s contest, UNLV will prepare for a three-game home series against Utah Tech starting Saturday. Cal State Fullerton opens a three-game set with Cal State Northridge at home on Friday.