MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — Cole Selvig dominated over five shutout innings and the Minnesota Golden Gophers’ offense erupted for eight runs in the third inning to power a 10-0 victory over the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels on Friday night at Siebert Field.

The game, a stark contrast to pregame projections that favored a high-scoring affair, was effectively decided by Minnesota’s relentless third-inning barrage. The Golden Gophers sent 12 batters to the plate, pounding out six hits and capitalizing on two walks to break open a contest they already led 3-0.

The offensive explosion was highlighted by a three-run homer from right fielder Ty Allen, who drove a pitch over the left-field fence to clear the bases. Shortstop Jack Spanier provided the biggest single hit of the frame, a two-run double that capped the scoring and pushed the advantage to 8-0. Spanier finished the night 2 for 4 with three RBIs.

That overwhelming support was more than enough for Selvig, Minnesota’s top star. The right-hander continued his excellent early-season form, allowing just two hits and striking out seven over five innings. He faced minimal threat, as UNLV’s only hit against him was a leadoff single by Reggie Bussey in the first inning, and Bussey was promptly thrown out trying to steal second. Selvig retired 10 of the final 11 batters he faced, improving upon his strong recent outings against Kansas and Northeastern.

The Golden Gophers struck first in the opening inning when catcher Weber Neels doubled down the left-field line to score Spanier. They added two more in the second on an RBI single from Michael Lippe and a sacrifice fly from Jack Bello, setting the stage for the game-breaking third.

UNLV, which entered the game with a 10-4 record, managed only one hit total—the Bussey single—and never advanced a runner past second base. The Runnin’ Rebels’ lineup was stifled by Selvig and reliever Joe Sperry, who tossed two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Minnesota pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts.

The Golden Gophers added single runs in the sixth and seventh innings to reach double digits. In the sixth, Easton Richter tripled and scored on a Neels sacrifice fly. In the seventh, Spanier drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the final run.

Davis Hamilton and Michael Lippe each had two hits for Minnesota, which out-hit UNLV 11-1. The Golden Gophers improved to 10-3, while the Runnin’ Rebels fell to 10-5.

The result defied the pregame simulation from Interstat, which had projected a 55.2% probability for a Minnesota win but with a final score of 8-7.

The two teams are not scheduled to meet again this season. UNLV continues its weekend in Minneapolis with games against Southern Illinois and Northwestern at the Gophers’ facility. Minnesota remains at home to host South Dakota State on Saturday.