The UNLV baseball team begins its road schedule this weekend, traveling to Santa Clara to face the Broncos in a three-game series from February 27 through March 1 at Stephen Schott Stadium. This marks the first road trip of the season for the Rebels, following a nine-game homestand—the longest to start a season since 2017.
Rebels Riding Momentum
UNLV enters the series with a five-game winning streak, having recently defeated Western Michigan in two contests. In the first game against Western Michigan, Reese Lueck earned his first win of the season, while Ayden Garcia and Jonny Rodriguez each hit their first home runs for the Scarlet & Gray. The second game saw every starter record a hit, with Drew Barragan and Nin Burns II both hitting home runs. Yates Bland was credited with the win.
New Faces Contributing
The 2026 UNLV roster features 27 newcomers, though two—Drew Charney and Kevin Smith—will miss the season due to injury. Several newcomers have already made an impact, including Ayden Garcia, who batted .667 against Western Michigan, and Drew Barragan, who went 4-for-9 with a home run in the same series.
Broncos Prepare for Challenge
Santa Clara, hailing from the West Coast Conference, won its series opener against UC Davis 5-2 before losing the next two games. The Broncos boast a strong pitching staff, with three pitchers combining for 13 strikeouts in their win against UC Davis. Santa Clara too recently hosted Waseda University of Tokyo for an international showcase.
Looking Ahead
UNLV is predicted to finish sixth in the Mountain West Conference this season. Carson Lane was named to the MW’s Preseason All-Conference Team. The Rebels will play 32 home games in Las Vegas, including one at the Las Vegas Ballpark. If the team continues its current winning streak, it could position itself well for a strong showing in the Mountain West Championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the UNLV Rebels play the Santa Clara Broncos?
The UNLV Rebels will play the Santa Clara Broncos from February 27 through March 1 at Stephen Schott Stadium.
How many newcomers are on the UNLV Rebels baseball team?
The UNLV Rebels baseball team has 27 newcomers on its 2026 roster, consisting of 26 transfers and one true freshman.
What was UNLV’s record in the 2025 season?
UNLV went 31-23 in the 2025 season and reached the Credit Union 1 Mountain West Championship.
What factors do you think will be most crucial for the UNLV Rebels as they navigate their challenging 2026 schedule?
