FRESNO, Calif. – The University of New Mexico baseball team out-hit Fresno State 9-8, but ultimately lost the series opener on the road on Friday night by a score of 10-4.
The Lobos (18-23, 7-12 MW) jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead over league-leading Fresno State with both runs scoring in the top of the first inning. In that inning, Justin Watari led off with a double to left field. Hayden Schilling then reached on a bunt single that advanced Watari to third with no outs. Leading RBI man for the Lobos, Jared Mang, then added to that total with a sacrifice fly out to left field. Following a steal of second by Schilling, he later advanced to third on a groundout by Connor Mang. Schilling then scored on a wild pitch during the Tyler Kelly at-bat.
That 2-0 lead did not last long, however, as the Bulldogs (26-12, 12-6 MW) struck for five runs in the bottom of the first to take a 5-2 lead. The Lobos were forced to use three pitchers in that inning including their starter Drew Gillespie, but it was Brian Coffey who eventually settled the game down after getting out of the inning.
Coffey went on to pitch the second and third innings without allowing a run to keep it 5-2. In the top of the fourth, the Lobos got a run closer on a two-out RBI up the middle by Jeff Deimling. Deimling’s RBI came right after Tanner Baker doubled to left-centerfield.
A two-out solo home run by the Bulldogs in the bottom of the inning, however, pushed the lead back out to three for Fresno State.
In the fifth, the Bulldogs broke the game open and doubled their advantage on one swing of the bat.
In the top of the eighth, the Lobos threatened as they loaded the bases with two outs thanks to three singles. Only one run would come of the inning as Baker walked on four-straight pitches to score Schilling.
The Bulldogs added their final run of the game in the bottom of the eighth to bring the game to its final score of 10-4.
Game two of the series will be played on Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m. (MT). Justin Slaten is scheduled to get the ball for the Lobos as they look to even the series at a game apiece.
Bulldogs take series opener on Friday night
