LAS VEGAS – Indiana State baseball picked up a 4-2 win over UNLV during the final day of the Marucci Desert Classic in Las Vegas to split a two-game series with the Rebels.
 
The Sycamores (2-2) jumped out to a lead in the fourth inning when Jake Means doubled to center, scoring Roberto Enriquez. Jarrod Watkins chopped a ball to third that was misplayed allowing Romero Harris to cross the plate in the sixth. Harris doubled home a run in the seventh to push the ISU lead to 3-0.
 
Harris and Clay Dungan led the way offensively with two hits apiece. Jake Means and CJ Huntley also collected an RBI each in the win.
 
A turning point in the game came in the eighth inning as UNLV put runners on second and third after a fielding error and a double to right. Reliever Ethan Larrison kept the Rebels off the scoreboard, striking out three UNLV batters, maintaining the Sycamores' 4-1 lead.
 
UNLV (3-1) made it interesting to start the ninth as Max Smith homered to open the frame, but Larrison would gather himself on his way to a three-inning save.
 
Tyler Ward (1-0) made his season debut for the Sycamores, tossing six innings and allowing just one run. The junior right-hander allowed back-to-singles to open the game, but settled in to retire 12-straight UNLV batters.
 
In total, Ward faced 24 batters, striking out three, walking one and allowing just one extra-base hit.
 
Rebel starting pitcher Chase Maddux was charged with the loss, falling to 0-1 on the season.
 
Indiana State travels to Tennessee next weekend for a round-robin tournament starting Friday at Lipscomb, Saturday at Middle Tennessee and Sunday at Belmont.
 
For the latest information on the Sycamore Baseball team, be sure to visit GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.