Thursday, May 18
Las Vegas, NV
7:00 pm MT
Air Force Academy
at
UNLV
Photo by: Hozana Arceri
Falcons to conclude regular season in Las Vegas
5/17/2023 8:54:00 PM | Baseball
Air Force can clinch first regular season conference title if dominoes fall in place
Schedule
Thu: at UNLV, May 18, 7:00 pm MT
Fri: at UNLV, May 19, 7:00 pm MT
Sat: at UNLV, May 20, 1:00 pm MT
Broadcast Information
Live Stream: Mountain West Network
Live Stats: SIDEARM Live Stats
Twitter: @AF_Baseball
Series History
-Since 1970, Air Force is 43-107 against UNLV
-Earlier this season, the Falcons dropped two of three games against UNLV at Falcon Field.
-Air Force is 6-7 against UNLV in its last 13 games.
-The Falcons have never won a three-game series in Las Vegas in program history.
Pitching Probables
Fri: RHP Sr. Jake Sansing (5-4. 3.84 ERA) vs. LHP Jr. Noah Mattera (1-2, 11.25 ERA)
Sat: RHP Jr. Doyle Gehring (4-3, 5.64 ERA) vs. RHP Sr. Zack Simon (3-2, 5.21 ERA)
Sun: RHP So. Dylan Rogers (2-4, 8.14 ERA) vs. LHP Sr. Nick Rupp (1-3, 6.07 ERA)
Projected Lineup
1. R/R, R/R, Aerik Joe, SS (.766 OPS)
2. S/R, Sam Kulasingam, 1B (1.152 OPS)
3. L/R, Jay Thomason, 3B (1.107 OPS)
4. L/R, Jake Greiving, DH (.827 OPS)
5. R/R, Trayden Tamiya, 2B (.847 OPS)
6. R/R Chase Spencer, RF (.847 OPS)
7. R/R, Matt Thompson, LF (.736 OPS)
8. R/R, Walker Zapp, C (.211 OPS)
9. Blake Covin, CF (.672 OPS)
Last Series (vs. San Diego State)
Game One
-In a rather important showdown at Falcon Field, Air Force saw strong pitching, good defense and timely hitting combine to provide the Falcons a 4-2 win over the previously conference-leading San Diego State Aztecs.
-Jake Sansing rebounded after a tough start at Arizona to post 5.1 scoreless innings, scattering six hits with two walks and three strikeouts. The Aztecs offensive threats were few and far between, as the senior didn't allow a baserunner to reach third base until the 6th.
-Sansing was eventually pulled after San Diego State loaded the bases with one out in the 6th, as Coach Kaz called upon his stopper, Sawyer Hawks, to erase the scoring chance.
-Hawks did exactly that, picking up a strikeout and a groundout to keep the Falcons in front 1-0. The Aztecs were able to manufacture a run in the 7th, but the Falcons didn't wait long to counter the visitors.
-Spencer opened the inning with a double, forcing San Diego State to the bullpen. After Spencer reached third on a balk, he was eventually escorted home by a wild pitch as Air Force regained a 2-1 lead.
-After consecutive outs, Blake Covin kick-started a two-out rally with a single into center. Aerik Joe lined a double into left-center to score Covin before Sam Kulasingam poked a base-hit through the left side, plating Joe, as the Falcons had suddenly built a 4-1 lead.
-Joe's on-base streak extends to the 25-consecutive games, while Kulasingam's 46-game on-base streak stays alive.
-Hawks pitched a scoreless 8th, though San Diego State made things interesting late. With one out, a hit-by-pitch, a stolen base, and an RBI single cut the Falcons lead to 4-2, but a lineout and a groundout saw Hawks nab his second win of the season.
Game Two
-With the game tied 4-4, the Aztecs managed a two-out, go-ahead base-hit in the 9th to put the Falcons away, as Air Force was bested 5-4 in Saturday's ballgame.
-It was a big afternoon for Trayden Tamiya, making his penultimate appearance at Falcon Field. The senior was 3-5 with 3 RBI, providing a game-tying two-run single in the 7th.-
Aerik Joe pieced together a 2-4 day, as did Jay Thomason. Joe's on-base streak now sits at 26-consecutive games. Sam Kulasingam was 1-4 with a walk to put his on-base streak at an outlandish 47 games.
-Aaron Reyes managed a single as well, with Chase Spencer forcing three walks in four at-bats.
-The Falcons did have their chances on Saturday, though Air Force stranded 10 runners on base while hitting into five double plays.
-Doyle Gehring kept the Falcons in the ballgame, toughing out 6.0 innings while allowing seven hits with one walk and four strikeouts. Gehring allowed two runs in the 3rd, though he was responsible for two more runs in the 6th.
-Ben Weber entered with two on and no outs in the 6th, and after two allowing two inherited runs to score, the freshman posted zeroes in the 7th and 8th. In the Aztecs final turn at the plate, the visitors loaded the bases with two outs before a go-ahead single saw San Diego State go in front 5-4.
Game Three
-The Falcons scored eight runs over their final three turns at the plate, propelling Air Force to a 16-10 win on Senior Day while moving a half a game ahead of the Aztecs to solidify the top spot in the Mountain West standings.
-It was yet another ho-hum afternoon for Sam Kulasingam, who's 4-5 line provided 3 RBI and three runs scored, as the junior has now reached base in 48-consecutive games. The Falcons first baseman provided a game-tying RBI single in the 4th, as well as an RBI double in the 7th and a bases-loaded walk in the 8th.
-Sunday marks Kulasingam's second fourth-hit game of the 2023, and the first since the season opener.
-Jay Thomason launched his 18th home run of the spring in the 4th to put Air Force up 6-4. Thomason finished the day 3-4 with 5 RBI, as his 18 home runs are tied now with Lance Massey for fourth-most in a single season in Air Force program history. Thomason's 65 RBI also match Gabriel Garcia for fifth-most in a single season in program history.
-Chase Spencer was 3-5 with two doubles, a triple and a stolen base, driving in two runs. Spencer also made a phenomenal diving catch in right field, as he concluded the weekend 4-8 with three walks and three RBI.
-Jake Greiving was 2-5 with a RBI, while Aerik Joe extended his on-base streak to 27 games with a RBI triple.
-On Senior Day, a pair of C1C's made a huge impact, as Trayden Tamiya and Matt Thompson combined for five hits in nine at-bats with two RBI, as each also stole a base. Blake Covin was hitless, but provided a RBI sac bunt in the the 4th.
-Walker Zapp entered the game as a defensive replacement in the 5th and ended the day 2-3 with with a double and a RBI. The double was the first extra-base hit of the freshman's collegiate career.
Greatness
-In 52 games, Sam Kulasingam owns a .412 BA, the second-best mark among Mountain West players and 16th overall in Division I.
-The reigning Mountain West Player of the Year is also one of only seven players in Division I with at least 87 hits thus far in 2023.
-The junior's 29 multi-hit games in 52 starts lead the team.
-Kulasingam is currently riding a 48-game on-base streak, the third-longest active streak in Division I.
-Kulasingam leads all DI hitters with 24 doubles.
-A master of bat control, Kulasingam also owns nearly twice as many walks (40) than strikeouts (23).
-Kulasingam has struck out in only 8.9% of his plate appearances this spring.
-His 40 walks are best in the conference.
-Kulasingam's 134 total bases are second in the MW, as is his 1.152 OPS.
-The junior's durability has never been in question, as Kulasingam has started 118-consecutive games.
#BOMBason is Back
-After leading Air Force with 16 home runs a season ago, Jay Thomason has improved upon his status as a power threat.
-Thomason again owns the team lead in home runs (18), surpassing his career-high set a season ago.
-Thomason is now tied with Karl Bolt for 9th in program history with 33 career home runs.
-Thomason is currently tied with New Mexico's Reed Spenrath for the conference lead in homers, and is one of only 46 players in DI with at least 18 dingers.
-Thomason's 139 total bases lead the MW.
-Thomason's 62 RBI are also tied with Spenrath for the most in the Mountain West.
-The Falcons third baseman has reached base in each of the last 22 games, the third-longest active streak on the team.
-The lefty isn't afraid to see southpaws, hitting a team-best .491 against lefties.
One of a Kind
-On April 29, head coach Mike Kazlausky surpassed Joe Robison for the most wins at Air Force with 283.
-On the honor, Coach Kaz said the following:
"For me, winning on the baseball field is just a small piece of what we do here at USAFA. I am humbled by the recognition, but what is even more meaningful to me is being surrounded by this amazing team of coaches and players each and every day. Our mission at Air Force is so much bigger than baseball and I am the one who is inspired and motivated when I see what they do both on and off the field. More importantly, the kind of people they are and who I know they will become. When I think about winning the most this or that, I think about my own mentors, like my own father and Coach Robison and Coach (Paul) Mainieri. A record is something that will eventually be broken, but the thing that matters most to me is what we are doing to prepare these young men for their service to our country. I'm proud of our men willing to make the commitment fight for our nation. That's the win that matters for our country."
The Captain
-Trayden Tamiya has been one the Falcons most consistent offensive threats.
-Tamiya's .349 average is second to only Kulasingam among Falcons.
-Tamiya's 76 hits are tied for second-most in the conference.
-Tamiya has been charged with just two errors in 220 chances at second base (.991).
-Another Iron Man, Tamiya has started 113-consecutive games.
Here Come the Horns
-Jake Greiving has been mashing, as his OPS has risen from .745 on April 11 to .827 as of May 17.
-In his last 10 games, Greiving is 17-39 (.436) with 3 HR's, 3 2B's and 15 RBI.
-Greiving's 22 doubles this season are tied for third-most in Division I.
Aerik is Cookin'
-Aerik Joe has sneakily been one of the Falcons most consistent threats over the past month.
-Joe has reached base in each of his last 27 games, with at least one hit in 17 of his last 19 games.
Bird of Prey
-Air Force closer Sawyer Hawks has allowed just three runs in his last 10 appearances.
-In those 10 games, Hawks has 28 strikeouts over his last 20.1 IP.
-The big righty leads the Falcons with a strikeout percentage of 30.4%.
-Hawks has also amassed an 87.5% left-on base percentage, leading the team.
-He's one of only four pitchers in the MW with at least seven saves.
Spencer Confidential
-Chase Spencer has been key to Air Force's recent run of success.
-The sophomore is on a 16-42 (.381) run over his last 13 games.
-Spencer has drawn 13 walks in that span.
-The Falcons right fielder also has 11 steals in 13 tries to lead the team.
History on the Horizon
-With the Falcons having already clinched a berth in the Mountain West Tournament, Air Force has an opportunity to win its first MW regular season title in program history.
-With three games remaining, the following scenarios would allow the Falcons to become regular season MW champions:
-If the Falcons win all three games against UNLV this weekend, Air Force wins the outright title.
-If the Falcons win two games against UNLV, and San Diego State and San José State lose one game then Air Force wins the outright title.
-If the Falcons win one game against UNLV, and San Diego State and San José State lose two games then Air Force wins the outright title.
If the Falcons lose all three games, and San Diego State and San José State lose three games, then Air Force wins a share of the regular season title.
Up Next
-Following the Falcons series against the Rebels, Air Force will return to the Mountain West Tournament to defend its 2022 conference championship. The tournament, hosted by Fresno State, will begin May 25.
Thu: at UNLV, May 18, 7:00 pm MT
Fri: at UNLV, May 19, 7:00 pm MT
Sat: at UNLV, May 20, 1:00 pm MT
Broadcast Information
Live Stream: Mountain West Network
Live Stats: SIDEARM Live Stats
Twitter: @AF_Baseball
Series History
-Since 1970, Air Force is 43-107 against UNLV
-Earlier this season, the Falcons dropped two of three games against UNLV at Falcon Field.
-Air Force is 6-7 against UNLV in its last 13 games.
-The Falcons have never won a three-game series in Las Vegas in program history.
Pitching Probables
Fri: RHP Sr. Jake Sansing (5-4. 3.84 ERA) vs. LHP Jr. Noah Mattera (1-2, 11.25 ERA)
Sat: RHP Jr. Doyle Gehring (4-3, 5.64 ERA) vs. RHP Sr. Zack Simon (3-2, 5.21 ERA)
Sun: RHP So. Dylan Rogers (2-4, 8.14 ERA) vs. LHP Sr. Nick Rupp (1-3, 6.07 ERA)
Projected Lineup
1. R/R, R/R, Aerik Joe, SS (.766 OPS)
2. S/R, Sam Kulasingam, 1B (1.152 OPS)
3. L/R, Jay Thomason, 3B (1.107 OPS)
4. L/R, Jake Greiving, DH (.827 OPS)
5. R/R, Trayden Tamiya, 2B (.847 OPS)
6. R/R Chase Spencer, RF (.847 OPS)
7. R/R, Matt Thompson, LF (.736 OPS)
8. R/R, Walker Zapp, C (.211 OPS)
9. Blake Covin, CF (.672 OPS)
Last Series (vs. San Diego State)
Game One
-In a rather important showdown at Falcon Field, Air Force saw strong pitching, good defense and timely hitting combine to provide the Falcons a 4-2 win over the previously conference-leading San Diego State Aztecs.
-Jake Sansing rebounded after a tough start at Arizona to post 5.1 scoreless innings, scattering six hits with two walks and three strikeouts. The Aztecs offensive threats were few and far between, as the senior didn't allow a baserunner to reach third base until the 6th.
-Sansing was eventually pulled after San Diego State loaded the bases with one out in the 6th, as Coach Kaz called upon his stopper, Sawyer Hawks, to erase the scoring chance.
-Hawks did exactly that, picking up a strikeout and a groundout to keep the Falcons in front 1-0. The Aztecs were able to manufacture a run in the 7th, but the Falcons didn't wait long to counter the visitors.
-Spencer opened the inning with a double, forcing San Diego State to the bullpen. After Spencer reached third on a balk, he was eventually escorted home by a wild pitch as Air Force regained a 2-1 lead.
-After consecutive outs, Blake Covin kick-started a two-out rally with a single into center. Aerik Joe lined a double into left-center to score Covin before Sam Kulasingam poked a base-hit through the left side, plating Joe, as the Falcons had suddenly built a 4-1 lead.
-Joe's on-base streak extends to the 25-consecutive games, while Kulasingam's 46-game on-base streak stays alive.
-Hawks pitched a scoreless 8th, though San Diego State made things interesting late. With one out, a hit-by-pitch, a stolen base, and an RBI single cut the Falcons lead to 4-2, but a lineout and a groundout saw Hawks nab his second win of the season.
Game Two
-With the game tied 4-4, the Aztecs managed a two-out, go-ahead base-hit in the 9th to put the Falcons away, as Air Force was bested 5-4 in Saturday's ballgame.
-It was a big afternoon for Trayden Tamiya, making his penultimate appearance at Falcon Field. The senior was 3-5 with 3 RBI, providing a game-tying two-run single in the 7th.-
Aerik Joe pieced together a 2-4 day, as did Jay Thomason. Joe's on-base streak now sits at 26-consecutive games. Sam Kulasingam was 1-4 with a walk to put his on-base streak at an outlandish 47 games.
-Aaron Reyes managed a single as well, with Chase Spencer forcing three walks in four at-bats.
-The Falcons did have their chances on Saturday, though Air Force stranded 10 runners on base while hitting into five double plays.
-Doyle Gehring kept the Falcons in the ballgame, toughing out 6.0 innings while allowing seven hits with one walk and four strikeouts. Gehring allowed two runs in the 3rd, though he was responsible for two more runs in the 6th.
-Ben Weber entered with two on and no outs in the 6th, and after two allowing two inherited runs to score, the freshman posted zeroes in the 7th and 8th. In the Aztecs final turn at the plate, the visitors loaded the bases with two outs before a go-ahead single saw San Diego State go in front 5-4.
Game Three
-The Falcons scored eight runs over their final three turns at the plate, propelling Air Force to a 16-10 win on Senior Day while moving a half a game ahead of the Aztecs to solidify the top spot in the Mountain West standings.
-It was yet another ho-hum afternoon for Sam Kulasingam, who's 4-5 line provided 3 RBI and three runs scored, as the junior has now reached base in 48-consecutive games. The Falcons first baseman provided a game-tying RBI single in the 4th, as well as an RBI double in the 7th and a bases-loaded walk in the 8th.
-Sunday marks Kulasingam's second fourth-hit game of the 2023, and the first since the season opener.
-Jay Thomason launched his 18th home run of the spring in the 4th to put Air Force up 6-4. Thomason finished the day 3-4 with 5 RBI, as his 18 home runs are tied now with Lance Massey for fourth-most in a single season in Air Force program history. Thomason's 65 RBI also match Gabriel Garcia for fifth-most in a single season in program history.
-Chase Spencer was 3-5 with two doubles, a triple and a stolen base, driving in two runs. Spencer also made a phenomenal diving catch in right field, as he concluded the weekend 4-8 with three walks and three RBI.
-Jake Greiving was 2-5 with a RBI, while Aerik Joe extended his on-base streak to 27 games with a RBI triple.
-On Senior Day, a pair of C1C's made a huge impact, as Trayden Tamiya and Matt Thompson combined for five hits in nine at-bats with two RBI, as each also stole a base. Blake Covin was hitless, but provided a RBI sac bunt in the the 4th.
-Walker Zapp entered the game as a defensive replacement in the 5th and ended the day 2-3 with with a double and a RBI. The double was the first extra-base hit of the freshman's collegiate career.
Greatness
-In 52 games, Sam Kulasingam owns a .412 BA, the second-best mark among Mountain West players and 16th overall in Division I.
-The reigning Mountain West Player of the Year is also one of only seven players in Division I with at least 87 hits thus far in 2023.
-The junior's 29 multi-hit games in 52 starts lead the team.
-Kulasingam is currently riding a 48-game on-base streak, the third-longest active streak in Division I.
-Kulasingam leads all DI hitters with 24 doubles.
-A master of bat control, Kulasingam also owns nearly twice as many walks (40) than strikeouts (23).
-Kulasingam has struck out in only 8.9% of his plate appearances this spring.
-His 40 walks are best in the conference.
-Kulasingam's 134 total bases are second in the MW, as is his 1.152 OPS.
-The junior's durability has never been in question, as Kulasingam has started 118-consecutive games.
#BOMBason is Back
-After leading Air Force with 16 home runs a season ago, Jay Thomason has improved upon his status as a power threat.
-Thomason again owns the team lead in home runs (18), surpassing his career-high set a season ago.
-Thomason is now tied with Karl Bolt for 9th in program history with 33 career home runs.
-Thomason is currently tied with New Mexico's Reed Spenrath for the conference lead in homers, and is one of only 46 players in DI with at least 18 dingers.
-Thomason's 139 total bases lead the MW.
-Thomason's 62 RBI are also tied with Spenrath for the most in the Mountain West.
-The Falcons third baseman has reached base in each of the last 22 games, the third-longest active streak on the team.
-The lefty isn't afraid to see southpaws, hitting a team-best .491 against lefties.
One of a Kind
-On April 29, head coach Mike Kazlausky surpassed Joe Robison for the most wins at Air Force with 283.
-On the honor, Coach Kaz said the following:
"For me, winning on the baseball field is just a small piece of what we do here at USAFA. I am humbled by the recognition, but what is even more meaningful to me is being surrounded by this amazing team of coaches and players each and every day. Our mission at Air Force is so much bigger than baseball and I am the one who is inspired and motivated when I see what they do both on and off the field. More importantly, the kind of people they are and who I know they will become. When I think about winning the most this or that, I think about my own mentors, like my own father and Coach Robison and Coach (Paul) Mainieri. A record is something that will eventually be broken, but the thing that matters most to me is what we are doing to prepare these young men for their service to our country. I'm proud of our men willing to make the commitment fight for our nation. That's the win that matters for our country."
The Captain
-Trayden Tamiya has been one the Falcons most consistent offensive threats.
-Tamiya's .349 average is second to only Kulasingam among Falcons.
-Tamiya's 76 hits are tied for second-most in the conference.
-Tamiya has been charged with just two errors in 220 chances at second base (.991).
-Another Iron Man, Tamiya has started 113-consecutive games.
Here Come the Horns
-Jake Greiving has been mashing, as his OPS has risen from .745 on April 11 to .827 as of May 17.
-In his last 10 games, Greiving is 17-39 (.436) with 3 HR's, 3 2B's and 15 RBI.
-Greiving's 22 doubles this season are tied for third-most in Division I.
Aerik is Cookin'
-Aerik Joe has sneakily been one of the Falcons most consistent threats over the past month.
-Joe has reached base in each of his last 27 games, with at least one hit in 17 of his last 19 games.
Bird of Prey
-Air Force closer Sawyer Hawks has allowed just three runs in his last 10 appearances.
-In those 10 games, Hawks has 28 strikeouts over his last 20.1 IP.
-The big righty leads the Falcons with a strikeout percentage of 30.4%.
-Hawks has also amassed an 87.5% left-on base percentage, leading the team.
-He's one of only four pitchers in the MW with at least seven saves.
Spencer Confidential
-Chase Spencer has been key to Air Force's recent run of success.
-The sophomore is on a 16-42 (.381) run over his last 13 games.
-Spencer has drawn 13 walks in that span.
-The Falcons right fielder also has 11 steals in 13 tries to lead the team.
History on the Horizon
-With the Falcons having already clinched a berth in the Mountain West Tournament, Air Force has an opportunity to win its first MW regular season title in program history.
-With three games remaining, the following scenarios would allow the Falcons to become regular season MW champions:
-If the Falcons win all three games against UNLV this weekend, Air Force wins the outright title.
-If the Falcons win two games against UNLV, and San Diego State and San José State lose one game then Air Force wins the outright title.
-If the Falcons win one game against UNLV, and San Diego State and San José State lose two games then Air Force wins the outright title.
If the Falcons lose all three games, and San Diego State and San José State lose three games, then Air Force wins a share of the regular season title.
Up Next
-Following the Falcons series against the Rebels, Air Force will return to the Mountain West Tournament to defend its 2022 conference championship. The tournament, hosted by Fresno State, will begin May 25.
Players Mentioned
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IF
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IF/RHP
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IF
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IF/OF
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C
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