Air Force Takes Game Two, 6-4, to Split Series with UNLV

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo., - The Falcons (13-22, 6-8) fought for a 6-4 victory over UNLV (18-17, 5-9) to split the Mountain West series, on a sunny Saturday at Erdle Field. Air Force batters posted 13 hits, highlighted by four doubles. The pitching staff combined to strike out seven.

At the plate, Walker Zapp accounted for a pair of RBIs off a two-run homer. Tripp Garrish and Zach Peters both finished 2-for-4 and one RBI a piece, while Alex Adams and T.J. Oster recorded an RBI.

Cranz Smelcer opened on the mound for Air Force. The freshman threw four strikeouts and surrendered no free passes across 4.2 innings pitched, with two earned runs allowed. Gaines Estridge was the pitcher of record and moved to 1-3 on the season. The righty logged 1.2 innings and gave up one run. Following an appearance from Davis Rhyne, Charlie Russell and Joey Collier both threw one strikeout in 0.2 innings. Closer, Patrick Davidson picked up his second career save after entering for 1.2 innings and defending the Falcon lead with one strikeout and no hits or runs allowed.

The top of the third saw a three up, three down frame for the Falcon defense accompanied by a strikeout from Smelcer.

After two scoreless innings, Air Force took a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the three. Kayden Bradshaw took his third start of the season and opened the frame with a first-pitch single down the left line, but was out on a fielder's choice hit by Ben Niednagel. A double down the left line from Alex Adams sent Niednagel across the plate. T.J. Oster followed with a single, advanced to second on an error by UNLV's left fielder and sent Adams home. With a runner on base, Walker Zapp sent his fifth long shot of the season over the left field wall to plate two runs.

In the top of the fourth, Smelcer struck out a pair of Rebels and utilized a pop up to Luke Elmore at first, keeping UNLV scoreless.

The Rebels recorded with three runs in the top of five but still trailed 4-3.

The bottom of the same frame saw Air Force inch ahead with one run, 5-3. Oster led off the inning and reached first on a throwing error by the Rebels' third baseman. With one out, the designated hitter Tripp Garrish placed a double in right field to score Oster.

After the Rebels' put two on the bags, a fielder's choice and a double play kept them at bay, in the top of the sixth.

UNLV tried for the comeback in the top of the seventh inning and made it a one-run game at 5-4.

The Falcons maintained and strengthened their lead in the bottom of the stretch for a final score of 6-4. A two-out single to left saw Elmore reach base, and a clutch Zach Peters double to left center sent Elmore to score.

Patrick Davidson entered the game and secured the last out of the top of the eighth with a first pitch fly out to Chase Spencer in center field.

In the top of nine, Davidson caught the first batter looking and utilized his defense for a pair of ground outs to Niednagel at shortstop for a three up, three down inning.

Air Force and UNLV will meet for the rubber match on Sunday April 13 at Erdle Field, with the first pitch set for 12 p.m. MT.

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