ASU Baseball: Sun Devils vs. Rebels game preview

The Sun Devils are fresh off scrapping a series victory out against Utah, and currently boast a 21-8 record.

On the other hand, UNLV is in the funk of a seven-game losing streak, including being swept most recently by the University of Nevada. As of now it holds a 12-18 record, featuring a measly 2-13 record in Mountain West Conference play.

The struggles in 2015 come a year after the Rebels amassed a 36-25 record, and earned a share of the first place title with New Mexico in the Mountain West Conference. From there, they received a two-seed in the NCAA Tournament, but failed to move out of Regional play.

UNLV is coached by Tim Chambers, who is currently in his fifth season. In 2014, he was the first UNLV coach to win Mountain West Coach of the Year since 2005.

At the plate in 2015, senior Dylan Ellis has only registered 62 at-bats this season, but he has made the most of them, notching a .403 average and two home runs from the leadoff spot.

The Rebels’ most consistent batter is freshman Payton Squier, who’s hitting .320 and leads the team with 39 hits.

Erik VanMeetren is the main power source for the Rebels, as he’s cranked four home runs and a .525 slugging percentage.

Two other Rebels to watch for at the plate are Austin Anderson and Joey Armstrong, each of whom are hitting above .290.

Despite the team’s undesirable record, UNLV’s pitchers have held their own.

Starting pitcher Kenny Oakley has been excellent for the Rebels, boasting a team-low 2.87 ERA.

Out of the bullpen, Cody Roper and Brayden Torres have appeared a combined 18 times for the Rebels, and continue to eat innings when called upon.

In a battle between pitchers who will be making their first career starts tonight, freshman Dan Skelly of UNLV will oppose sophomore Hever Bueno of ASU.

First pitch is at 6:05 pm MST.