SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The University of New Mexico softball team couldn’t hold off San Diego State’s offense in the series finale, falling 8-0 in six innings Saturday. The Lobos are now 19-18 on the year and 5-7 in the Mountain West.
Lobo starter Tess McPherson and the Lobos held San Diego State scoreless through the first three innings of the game. But the Aztecs broke open their offense in the fourth, scoring four runs.
After three Aztecs runs scored, the Lobos went to the bullpen, going to Krissy Fortner with two outs. The Aztecs put together one more run before the Lobos got out of the inning.
The Aztecs would go on to score two runs in the fifth and six innings, all coming off two home runs by San Diego State’s Peres. The home run in the sixth ended the game due to the run rule.
The Lobo offense struggled again as they only pounded out five hits and left six on base. The Lobos threated in the first as Shelbie Franc led off with a walk and Chelsea Johnson single but both were left on.
Johnson would single again in the fourth but was left on base for the second time. In the fifth, Jade Gray led off the inning with a single. She would then move to second on a ground out and move to third on a sacrifice bunt by Kasey Halleen. Gray was left at the third as Franc grounded out to end the inning.
The Lobos were close in the sixth as Johnson singled, her third on the game, with two outs. D’Andra DeFlora followed with an infield single but Michala Erickson struck out to end the sixth.
Johnson led the Lobos at the plate with a 3-for-3 effort. DeFlora and Gray were the only other Lobos with a hit.
McPherson suffered the loss in the circle, dropping to 8-9 on the season. She allowed four runs on five hits, while walking two and striking out two in 3.2 innings of work. In 1.2 innings, Fortner allowed four runs on eight hits.
The Lobos will look to get back on track next weekend as they are on the road again, heading to Mountain West leader Utah State. All three games will air on the Mountain West Network and live stats will be available.