Falcons erupt for 15 runs, even series with Rebels

LAS VEGAS- In response to a 10-run loss a night ago, the Air Force offense countered the defeat with its most productive night of the spring, as the Falcons evened its series against UNLV with a 15-12 win.

Among the many prolific performances of the Air Force lineup, none was as impressive as Jake Greiving's. The senior produced a career-best day at the plate, going 4-6 with a career-high six RBIs. Falling a triple short of the cycle, Greiving saw at least one run score following all four of his hits.

The lefty slugger opened his evening with a two-run single in the 1st, followed by a pair of two-run doubles in the 4th and 5th. In his final at-bat, Greiving lined the first pitch of the 9th over the right field fence to give Air Force an important insurance run in the final inning.

Greiving's four hits and six RBIs are the most by a Falcon in either category this season.

Jay Thomason was 3-5 with four runs scored, as his two-run home run in the 2nd regained a 6-4 lead for the Falcons. Now with 43 career home runs, Thomason is tied with Tyler Jones for third all-time on the home run list at Air Force.

Zach Peters, in his second-consecutive start, was 2-6 with a double and a two-run home run, as the junior's first-ever long ball built a 10-7 lead for the Falcons. Peters also doubled in the 3rd.

In another batch of firsts, Tripp Garrish drove home two runs with a couple of RBI singles in five at-bats, managing his first career multi-RBI and multi-hit game.

Sam Kulasingam was 2-5, adding a 2nd inning RBI double to his line, while Chase Spencer, Charlie Jones, and Walker Zapp each recorded hits. Aerik Joe was the only Falcon not to pick up a hit, though the Air Force shortstop did bring in a run with a sacrifice fly in the 1st.

In what turned out to be an offensive showcase, Dylan Rogers was pulled after being responsible for six hits and six runs over 1.0+ innings. Kyle Moats entered with runners on the corners and no outs, and saw three inherited runs cross, as UNLV led 7-6 after two full innings.

Moats did settle into the game, retiring the minimum over the 3rd and 4th innings. The senior southpaw did run into trouble in the 5th, allowing the first three batters of the inning to reach base. Moats was eventually on the hook for three earned runs over his 3.0 innings.

Owning a 13-7 lead in the 5th, Air Force called upon Doyle Gehring, who entered the game with the bases loaded and no outs. Gehring did see all three inherited runs score in the 5th, but the Falcons closer brought a sense of calm to the remainder of the ballgame.

After allowing a two-run home run in the 6th, Gehring was on cruise control, posting three-consecutive scoreless innings to notch his fifth save of 2024. The strapping right-hander's 5.0 innings and eight strikeouts are both season-highs.

Of note, the Falcons 15 runs become a new season-best while Saturday's 16 hits match Air Force's 2024 high.

Next, Air Force will look to pick up a key series win when the two sides close the three-game set on Sunday, April 7. First-pitch is scheduled for 1:00 pm MT.

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