Feb. 23, 2007
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Left-handed junior Bobby LaFromboise had a storybook outing, throwing a complete-game shutout in his first appearance at Isotopes Park today. LaFromboise allowed just five hits while striking out six, lifting New Mexico to a 10-0 win over Texas State.
Junior shortstop Jordan Pacheco started the scoring in the first, belting a triple to right, plating sophomore second baseman Chad Itokazu from second. Pacheco scored on a ground out by senior first baseman Daniel Stovall and Hollick topped off the inning with a solo shot to left, despite the win blowing hard to right.
In the third, Stovall extended New Mexico’s lead to 5-0 with a two-run homer to left. One inning later, two more runs scored as Pacheco and Stovall added another RBI apiece.
Freshman Adam Courcha made his first appearance at home in the seventh, driving in two runs with a full-count double down the left line. Senior Matt Foote followed with an RBI pinch-hit single for the 10th Lobo run.
Overall, the Lobos outhit the Bobcats 13-5. Stovall and Pacheco were both 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Stovall finished with four RBI while Pacheco drove in two. Junior third baseman Ian Hollick was 2-for-3 with two runs and a RBI.
On the mound, LaFromboise improved to 2-0. It was the first time since March 11, 2006 against Oregon State that the Lobos did not allow a walk. Texas State’s starter, Mike Hart, fell to 2-1 with the loss, allowing eight hits, seven runs (six earned), three walks and a strikeout in 5.0 innings.
The two teams return to the field tomorrow at 3 p.m. for the second contest in a three-game series. Right-handed junior Stephen Smith is slated to start for New Mexico against the Bobcats’ right-handed Kyle Gembler.