Lobos Take Down Wolverines After a Six-Run Sixth Inning
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — It was a slow start for The University of New Mexico baseball team as the Lobos trailed after five innings to the Utah Valley Wolverines (9-40, 7-25 WAC), but the Lobos built a lead after a six-run sixth inning that that would carry them to a 9-4 final score. Willie Cano played a big hand in tonight’s win, going three-for-four from the plate with three RBI’s and two runs, including a home run in the third inning.
“Willie Cano was special tonight,” said head coach Ray Birmingham. “We had both great defense and great hitting.”
The Lobos (10-23, 6-15 MW) earned their second run of the game in the fourth inning as Jack Silverman doubled to left center, scoring Kyler Castillo. The Wolverines then scored their fourth run at the top of the sixth, and that is when the Lobo hitting came alive.
The scoring started with a double from Mack Chambers that scored Chase Weissenborn, bringing the Lobos within one. Connor Mang then came in the game to pinch-hit and delivered a two-RBI single that scored both Castillo and Chambers. Cano then delivered another two-RBI single that made its way through centerfield, scoring both Mang and Russell. Adam Schneider then brought Cano home on a triple to right field, and the Lobos ended the inning with six runs on six hits, leading the game 8-4.
“Connor Mang got us going with a clutch pinch-hit,” said Birmingham.
With the momentum in the Lobos’ favor, the team sealed the deal in the eighth inning as Shane Podsednik, with no outs on the board, brought home Mang for the 9-4 lead.
Miguel Reyes Jr. came in clutch on the mound for the Lobos, pitching a total of 2.2 innings while allowing just one hit, striking out two. Isiah Campa was credited with the win in today’s game after pitching 2.2 innings, striking out two, and allowing just two hits.
“Miguel was solid in relief,” said Birmingham.
Connor Mang finished the game going a perfect two-for-two from the plate with two RBI’s and two hits. Silverman, Castillo, Chambers, and Weissenborn all posted a double in the game.
The Lobos made it challenging to get past their defense, posting a total of 27 putouts and 12 assists. In the fifth inning, the Lobos delivered a five-four-three double play that ended the inning as the Wolverines left one on base.
The Lobos will be back in action tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Santa Ana Star Field for the second game of this three-game series versus Utah Valley. Visit the UNM Baseball schedule page for direct links to keep up with the game.
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