SAN JOSE, Calif. – The University of New Mexico softball team dropped the first game of the three game series with San Josè State 4-1 Thursday afternoon. New Mexico is now 23-25 on the season and 8-13 in the Mountain West. San Josè State is 26-24 overall and 15-7 in conference action.
After a quiet two and half innings on both sides, the Spartans struck first with a two-run home run, taking a 2-0 lead over the Lobos.
Another run came across for the Spartans in the fourth off a sacrifice fly to take a 3-0 lead.
But the Lobos answered in the top of the fifth, plating one run. Freshman Cheyenne Smith led off the inning with a bunt single. An out late, senior Mariah Rimmer double to left, advancing Smith to third. Smith then scored on junior Jasmine Casados’ ball to short which was booted out to the outfield for an error.
The Spartans responded with a solo home run, extending their lead to 4-1 over the Lobos.
The Lobos were retired six out of their eight final at-bats. They left 10 on base which included six in the first four innings.
At the plate, the Lobos were led by junior Michala Erickson. She finished 2-for-4 at the plate. Rimmer had the only double of the game. Freshman Brooke Breland and Smith had the only other two hits on the day for the Lobos.
In the circle, freshman Colette Robert pitched a solid first two innings, retiring six out of the first seven batters. She allowed four runs, off eight hits, while walking one and striking out two in a complete game effort.
The two teams will meet again for the second game of the series tomorrow at 1p.m. MT. Live stats and a live stream are available at GoLobos.com.