Preview: Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels look to rebound from a weekend series loss when they host the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners in non-conference baseball Monday at Earl Wilson Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. PDT under partly cloudy skies with a forecast temperature of 91 degrees.

UNLV (17-11) enters having dropped two of three to San Jose State, including an 18-8 defeat Sunday. The Rebels’ offense has been potent, averaging over eight runs per game during their last 10 contests.

A key bat for UNLV is first baseman Jonny Rodriguez. He homered twice in Sunday’s loss and is 11 for 34 (.324) with four home runs and nine RBIs over his last 10 games.

Cal State Bakersfield (10-16) also seeks a turnaround after falling 9-5 at Cal State Northridge on Sunday, snapping a brief two-game win streak. The Roadrunners have struggled on the road this season, posting a 4-10 record away from home.

A player to watch for the Roadrunners is reliever Jeter Schuerman. The right-hander has been effective lately, allowing just one earned run over his last five appearances spanning 4.1 innings, including 1.1 scoreless frames Sunday.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, UNLV is projected to win 6-4.

The Rebels hold a distinct advantage in overall record and offensive production. UNLV has scored 10 or more runs in 12 games this season, while Cal State Bakersfield has allowed 10 or more runs eight times.

Following this single-game matchup, UNLV opens a three-game home series against New Mexico on Thursday. Cal State Bakersfield returns home to begin a series with Utah Valley on Thursday.