Another sweep would be ideal for the U baseball team, and it will have an ideal chance this weekend, as it takes on the UNLV Rebels, who are tied for the worst record in the conference, at 5-10.
The conference standings could swing one way or another as the first- and second-place teams, San Diego State and BYU, will face off in a three game series, along with a made-up suspended game.
The series between the two top teams in the conference has huge implications for the Utes, as it may allow them to jump up in the conference standings, but they must first take care of business against UNLV.
One thing the Rebels were able to accomplish this year that the Utes were not able to do was defeat New Mexico.
The Lobos swept the Utes in the first conference series of the season, while UNLV was able to sweep UNM.
However, the Rebels were swept last weekend by San Diego State, and only took one win against Air Force the week before.
The Rebels were able to sweep Southern Utah in a mid week series, which may give them some momentum heading into Franklin Covey Field.
This will be the U’s second series against UNLV, with the last one resulting in two wins for the Utes. Utah only lost Game 1 of the series, as ace pitcher Jason Wylie was shelled, and the Utes lost 16 14.
The starting pitching staff flexed its muscles in the next two games, though.
Cheyenne Rushton gave up 5 earned runs in 6.1 innings of work. However, the bullpen came through and shut UNLV down, as the Utes were able to win 8-6.
Mitch Maio got the save in Game 2, and then got the start in Game 3, and showed no ill effects, as he pitched a complete game, and only allowed 3 earned runs, as the Utes won the game 5-3 and took the series.
The Ute pitching staff has been gelling well, as the bullpen has started to work as a cohesive unit, while the starting pitching has been solid all year.
Wylie, Rushton and Maio must have the types of starts they are capable of if they want to sweep the Rebels.
Rushton has been on fire in his last two starts, as he won both games and had an ERA of 2.16.
All three starters were able to pitch well this past weekend, and the hitting has just been amazing, as the Utes swept Air Force.
Every single player on the offense has been providing hits and scoring runs, and the Utes should not have any problems scoring on UNLV.
The entire U team is ready to push for the conference title in the second half of the conference season.
“Our entire team is playing well, and now we have to just get it done on the field and not make costly mistakes,” said U coach Tim Esmay.