SAN JOSE, Calif. – The University of New Mexico softball team didn’t have much luck at the plate, falling to San Josè State 9-0 in six innings Friday afternoon. New Mexico is now 23-26 on the season and 8-14 in the Mountain West. SJSU is 27-24 overall and 16-7 in conference action.
The Lobos couldn’t get much going at the plate, leaving five people on base for the game. Only two Lobos made it to at least second base.
The Lobos had their best chance to score runs in the third inning. Senior Lisa Rodrigues led off with a single to left field. She was out on freshman Cheyenne Smith’s fielder’s choice. Smith then advanced to second on Michala Erickson’s ground out to third. A wild pitch moved Smith to third but a fly out ended the rally.
The only other Lobo to reach was Kasey Halleen who pinch ran for Shelbie Franc. Franc walked and Halleen came in a moved to second on Smith’s single through the left side.
San Josè State’s offense started right of the gate off Tess McPherson. They scored one run in the first off an error in the outfield.
McPherson shut them down in order the next inning but they opened their bats again in the third, scoring another run and taking a 2-0 lead.
The Spartans scored two in the fourth. Head coach Erica Beach went to Colette Robert in the circle in the fifth but three more runs came across for the Spartans, giving them a 7-0 lead . A home run in the sixth capped their scoring and ended the game on the mercy rule.
The Lobos only pounded out three hits for the game. Besides Smith and Rodrigues, Haleman had the only other hit.
McPherson took the loss in the circle, dropping to 4-3 on the season. She allowed five runs off eight hits while walking one and striking out one in four innings of work. Robert allowed four runs off five hits while striking out one in an inning and a third of work.
The Lobos will look to finish the season with a win as they face the Spartans in the finale tomorrow at 1 p.m. MT. Live stats and a live stream are available at GoLobos.com.