UNLV Baseball Defeats Grand Canyon 14-8 to Secure Series Win

The UNLV baseball team secured a series victory over Grand Canyon following a 14-8 win in a high-scoring rubber match in Phoenix, Arizona, according to a report from UNLVRebels.com.

The victory capped off a three-game Mountain West series characterized by offensive production and volatile early innings.

Series Opener Context

The series began on April 11, 2026, at Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark, where the Rebels defeated Grand Canyon 13-8. That game mirrored the high-scoring nature of the rubber match, with UNLV overcoming early deficits to take control in the middle innings.

During the April 11 opener, Grand Canyon held an initial 1-0 lead after the first inning. UNLV responded in the second inning when Jayden Hertel hit a two-run home run, but the Lopes reclaimed the lead in the bottom half of the inning with three runs, moving ahead 4-2.

The Rebels pushed back in the third inning as Cooper Sheff hit a three-run home run. However, Grand Canyon answered again to carry a 6-5 lead into the fifth inning.

Turning Point and Offensive Surge

The momentum shifted decisively in the fifth inning of the series opener. Ayden Garcia tied the game with an RBI single, and Jayden Hertel followed with a two-run single to give UNLV an 8-6 lead.

In the sixth inning, Drew Barragan expanded the lead with a three-run home run to deep center field, marking his eighth home run of the season. The Rebels added another run in the same inning when Jack Salmon was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

Ayden Garcia provided the final run of the game with an RBI double in the seventh inning, finalizing the 13-8 victory.

Individual and Team Performances

The offensive effort on April 11 was led by several key contributors:

• Jayden Hertel finished 3-for-4 with four RBI.
• Drew Barragan scored four runs and recorded two walks in addition to his home run.
• Cooper Sheff drove in three runs via his home run.
• Ayden Garcia recorded two hits and two RBI.

UNLV’s scoring efficiency was notable, as the team produced 13 runs on only eight hits. This output was supported by drawing eight walks and seeing five batters hit by pitches.

Bullpen Stability

While the offense generated the lead, the UNLV bullpen stabilized the game during the opener. The relief pitchers covered the final six innings, allowing only two runs, only one of which was earned.