UNLV Hustlin' Rebels Split Season Opening Series With Austin Peay Governors

The Rebels won the first two games but dropped the final two in extra innings

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The UNLV Hustlin' Rebels baseball team had an up-and-down opening series this weekend against the Austin Peay Governors. After winning the first two games of the series, they ended up dropping the final two games and splitting the series, with the final games going to extra innings.

Why it matters

The Rebels are looking to build on last season and make a push for the conference title, so this opening series was an important early test against a talented opponent. The split result shows the team has work to do, but also has potential to be competitive this year.

The details

In the series opener, the Rebels won 7-3 behind a big game from second baseman Marcos Rosales. They followed that up with a 9-8 win in the first game of a Saturday doubleheader, with right fielder Nin Burns II driving in three runs. However, the Rebels lost the second game of the doubleheader 5-3 and then dropped a heartbreaker 13-12 in 10 innings on Sunday, despite a late game-tying home run from Rosales.

  • The series took place over the opening weekend of the 2026 college baseball season.
  • The Rebels won the first two games on Friday and in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader.
  • The Rebels lost the second game of Saturday's doubleheader and the series finale on Sunday.

The players

Marcos Rosales

The Rebels' starting second baseman, who had a big series at the plate with a two-RBI double, a game-tying solo home run, and five RBIs overall.

Nin Burns II

The Rebels' starting right fielder, who drove in three runs including a two-run home run in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader.

Drew Barragan

The Rebels' starting third baseman, who went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored in the series finale.

Stan Stolte

The head coach of the UNLV Hustlin' Rebels baseball team.

Austin Peay Governors

The Rebels' opponent, a veteran team that won 45 games last season.

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What they’re saying

“Really hard fought series by both teams. We're a work in progress on the mound and we'll have people in the right places once the conference comes around. Disappointed splitting the series but battled toe-to-toe with a very talented veteran team that won 45 games last year. I feel really good about this group, and we need to get healthy and we'll continue to get better.”

— Stan Stolte, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The Rebels will look to build on this opening series as they prepare for their next games against conference opponents.

The takeaway

The Rebels showed they can compete with a talented veteran team like Austin Peay, but also have room for improvement, especially on the mound, as they work towards conference play and a potential conference title push.