Lobos Run-Rule Spartans Behind Linton Shutout
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— The Lobos evened the series with San José State on Saturday with an 8-0, six inning run-rule win behind solid pitching in the circle from Amber Linton and 13 hits with freshmen Chloe Yeatts and Keyannah Chavez combining for six.
Four Lobos finished with multiple hits led by three apiece from Chavez and Yeatts, with the duo accounting for all eight RBI. Chavez went 3-4 at the plate, tying her season high for hits, while Yeatts was 3-3 for a season high in hits. Ashley Archuleta and Rachael Hathoot registered two hits each, extending Hathoot’s hitting streak to 12 games and her on-base streak to 17 games. Peyton Robinson also reached with a hit, extending her hitting streak to 10 and Archuleta’s hits extended her streak to five games.
Saturday was the third consecutive game with double-digit hits for New Mexico and the 15th time this season.
After the Spartans left two on base to start the game, the Lobos were quick to get on the board, scoring four runs on three hits in their first at-bats of the game. Archuleta and Hathoot both reached on walks, with Lauren Garcia loading the bases on a single to left field. Chavez opened the scoring with a single up the middle to score Archuleta and Hathoot, taking second on a throwing error home by the Spartan centerfielder. Yeatts followed with a single up the middle of her own to bring in Garcia and Chavez for the 4-0 UNM lead.
Following a scoreless second and third inning by both teams, the Lobos added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth following a leadoff triple to right for Hathoot, her fourth of the season, and a hard hit back to the pitcher by Chavez allowed Hathoot to score.
SJSU had its first two batters reach in the top of the fifth on a double and a hit-by-pitch before a strikeout on a full count following a nine-pitch at-bat, a popup to Jenna Trim at first and a grounder to Emma Bramson at third left the Spartans stranded and the shutout in place.
A final strikeout for Linton in the sixth and a double play to end the Spartans’ at-bat ensured the shutout as the Lobos scored three runs on four hits in the bottom of the inning to enforce the run-rule.
Archuleta led off with a single to center and Hathoot laid down a bunt, beating out the throw by the pitcher to first to put two runners on. A fielder’s choice put runners on the corners and Chavez laid down a squeeze to score Archuleta. With speed on first and second in pinch runner Evany Gonzalez and Chavez, Yeatts ended the game with a hit down the left-field line, clearing the bases as both runners scored easily for the 8-0 final.
In the circle, Linton threw her 11th complete game and her third shutout of the season to earn the win, allowing just three hits while striking out seven. It is the sixth time this season that Linton has allowed just three hits while pitching a complete game.
The Lobos conclude the series with the Spartans on Sunday at noon.