The UNLV baseball team is set to compete in the Cambria College Classic this weekend, facing three opponents at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Rebels will begin play against the host Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday, March 6 at 5 p.m. PT, followed by Southern Illinois on Saturday, March 7 at 9 a.m. PT, and concluding with Northwestern on Sunday, March 8 at 12 p.m. PT.
Scouting the Competition
Minnesota recently swept a pair of mid-week games against Milwaukee, including a 14-4 victory where they invoked the ten-run rule. Southern Illinois defeated North Dakota State 9-4, led by Cecil Lofton’s four RBIs and three hits from Julio Guerrero. Northwestern, however, was recently swept by No. 5 Georgia Tech.
The Rebels enter the tournament with a recent split in a two-game series against Northern Colorado, and have won eight of their last ten games. In the first game against Northern Colorado, UNLV batters drew a season-high 15 walks, with every starter reaching base via walk. Reese Lueck pitched five innings, allowing eight hits and one run, supported by scoreless relief from LJ Manning and Colton Sundloff.
UNLV’s roster features 27 newcomers, including 26 transfers and one true freshman. Despite two transfers being sidelined due to injury – Drew Charney and Kevin Smith – seventeen newcomers have already made their Rebel debuts. Marcos Rosales currently boasts a 12-game hitting streak, and Drew Barragan has tallied a hit in 12 of his 13 games played.
The Rebels were predicted to finish sixth in the 2026 Mountain West conference season by the league’s head coaches. Junior pitcher Carson Lane was named to the MW’s Preseason All-Conference Team, having previously earned All-MW First Team honors last season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the schedule for UNLV at the Cambria College Classic?
UNLV will play Minnesota on Friday, March 6 at 5 p.m. PT, Southern Illinois on Saturday, March 7 at 9 a.m. PT, and Northwestern on Sunday, March 8 at 12 p.m. PT.
How many newcomers are on the UNLV baseball roster for the 2026 season?
The UNLV Rebels’ 2026 roster features 27 newcomers, comprised of 26 transfers and one true freshman.
What was UNLV’s record in the 2025 season?
UNLV went 31-23 in 2025 and reached the Credit Union 1 Mountain West Championship for the first time since 2022.
As UNLV begins play in the Cambria College Classic, what factors do you believe will be most crucial to their success against a diverse range of opponents?
