March 25, 2007
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Two was the magic number for the Utah baseball team today in its’ 11-9 win in the final game of the three-game series with the Lobos at Isotopes Park. The Utes won their second straight game against New Mexico, scoring two runs in the first, second and third inning and recorded all but two of their 12 hits after there were two outs in the respective inning.
Freshman starter Ryan Escarcega started each of his three innings throwing well, but surrendered six runs on six hits and three walks, putting the Lobos in a 6-0 hole heading into the bottom of the third.
Sophomore Max Willett started the Lobo charge in the third, leading off with a double to center and taking third on a fielding error by the Utes. Willett put New Mexico on the scoreboard in the next at bat, scoring on a wild pitch. Back-to-back walks brought up junior Jordan Pacheco, who tripled to right center, driving in seniors Matt Foote and Jay Russell. Pacheco scored on a RBI-single from senior Daniel Stovall, cutting Utah’s lead to 6-4.
The Utes pushed their lead back to six, scoring four runs in the top of the fourth. After junior reliever Jacob Norton recorded the first two outs in the inning, Utah scored four runs on three singles and a walk.
Willett and Pacheco tried to get UNM back in it in the sixth as Willett led off the inning with another double and Pacheco brought him home with a RBI single through the left side.
Again, Utah erased the Lobos’ run, scoring one in the top of the seventh on a two-out home run belted over the bullpen into the picnic pavilion by Jay Brossman.
Willett and Pacheco were at it again in the bottom of the seventh as Willett doubled for the third time, plating a run. Pacheco, with two outs, sent a little liner into right field, driving in two more runs, leaving UNM trailing 11-9.
For the game, Pacheco went 4-for-5 with a run scored and a career-high five RBI. Willett finished the game matching his career highs in hits and runs, going 3-for-5 with three runs and a RBI. Bret Baldwin and Cody Guyman led Utah, going 3-for-4 with two runs and 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs, respectively.
With the loss, the Lobos fall to 12-17 overall and 1-2 in the Mountain West Conference while Utah improves to 9-15 overall, 2-1 in the MWC.
The Lobos are back in action next weekend, hosting San Diego State for a three-game series starting Friday at Isotopes Park. Head coach Rich Alday (499-500-3) will be searching for his 500th career win at UNM.