Fifth Inning Costly in Loss to Rams

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— Three errors in the fifth led to seven runs and pushed Colorado State into run-rule territory in the 10-1 final in five innings.

After the Rams opened the scoring with a run in the top of the second, the Lobos had their chance to tie or take the lead with bases loaded in the bottom of the second after Ashley Archuleta led off with a double down the left-field line. A sac bunt by Keyannah Chavez moved her over to third and after Maddie Boldt reached on a hit-by-pitch and Emma Bramson walked following four-straight balls, UNM was unable to push the tying run across as a fielder’s choice ended the inning.

The Rams strung together three hits to plate two more runs in the third and again, UNM had an opportunity to cut into the deficit in the bottom of the fourth, bringing the tying run to the plate. Chloe Yeatts reached on a one-out walk, with pinch runner Savana Martinez moving to second on a wild pitch. With two outs, Bramson reached on a hit-by-pitch to keep the inning going, although another fielder’s choice ended the threat without the Lobos able to score a run.

CSU pulled away in the fifth to take a 10-0 lead with UNM getting on the board in the bottom half of the inning after Rachael Hathoot reached on a bunt, moving to second on a sac bunt by Peyton Robinson and later third on a wild pitch. A sacrifice fly to center by Lauren Garcia allowed Hathoot to tag for the run. Archuleta kept the inning going with a triple to center, her fourth of the year and her second extra-base hit of the game. Chavez reached on a four-pitch walk before the game came to an end on a foul out to left.

Archuleta accounted for half of UNM’s hits with Hathoot and Robinson registering the other two. Taylor Snow got the start in the circle, going 4.0 innings before Emmalyn Brinka entered in relief in the top of the fifth and recorded the final three outs.

UNM closes out the series with CSU on Sunday at noon.