Lobos Run Rule Rams Behind Seven Runs in Third
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— The Lobos scored seven runs on six hits in the bottom of the third to break Sunday’s game against the Rams open and scored in four of the six innings to win in run-rule fashion, 12-4.
UNM recorded 13 hits in the win with four Lobos registering multiple hits. Rachael Hathoot went 3-3 from the leadoff spot with Emma Bramson 3-4 batting ninth in the lineup. Ashley Archuleta went 2-3 and Keyannah Chavez went 2-4 in their plate appearances.
After Lobo starting pitcher Emmalyn Brinka worked around a two-out double, the Lobos were the first to get on the board, using patience at the plate to draw three walks (two of which came on four-straight balls) to load the bases with one out. Chavez beat the throw to first as the Rams tried to get out of the inning on a double play, allowing Hathoot to score for the Lobo lead.
CSU tied the game on a home run to right in the top of the third, but the Lobos responded in an emphatic way with seven runs to take control of the game.
Hathoot led off the inning reaching base on a hit-by-pitch, the first of three consecutive Lobos to reach base in the inning. Robinson laid down a bunt, reaching safely, and Archuleta broke the tie with a hit back up the middle that scored Hathoot from second. Leslie Romero laid down a sac bunt to move both runners into scoring position and Chavez dropped down a bunt that scored Robinson from third. With two outs in the inning and runners on second and third, Chloe Yeatts worked a full count before putting the ball in play with a hit to right field, allowing both runners to score for the 5-1 lead.
The inning continued for the Lobos after Elizabeth Baylor walked and Bramson reached on a single through the right side that loaded the bases as the lineup turned over. Hathoot cleared the bases on a ball that nearly missed clearing the scoreboard in left, ending up with a standup double.
UNM’s seven runs in the third were the second-most runs scored in an inning by the Lobos this season, second only to the eight scored in the third inning of game three at Utah State. It is also the sixth time this year that UNM has scored five or more runs in an inning.
A scoreless fourth maintained the seven-run Lobo lead, to which the Rams scored two runs in the top of the fifth to cut into the margin. However, UNM answered with two runs of its own on three hits with the first two batters reaching base to set up the opportunity.
Bramson led off with a single down the left-field line with Hathoot laying down a bunt and reaching safely. A single by Archuleta that got through the right side of the infield brought around Bramson and Hathoot scored on the next at-bat.
CSU again scored in the top of the sixth, but the Lobos plated two more runs to end the game. Yeatts started the inning with a walk, with Grace Rana entering to pinch run. Bramson hit a one-out single to right field with Rana moving all the way around to third on the play, and after Bramson stole second to put both runners in scoring position, a Hathoot hit to left brought both runners in for the eight-run final score.
Hathoot finished with a career-high five RBI with Archuleta, Chavez and Yeatts with two each and Romero with one.
The Lobos utilized two arms in the circle with Brinka getting the start and the win after going 4.1 innings with three strikeouts. Taylor Snow entered in relief, pitching the remaining 1.2 innings and allowing one run on two hits.
Up next: The Lobos head to San Diego State for a three-game series starting on Friday, April 21 before hosting Nevada April 28-30 in the final home series of the MW season.
POSTGAME NOTES:
UNM is 14-2 when scoring in the first inning, 12-2 when scoring first.
The Lobos are 12-1 when leading after four and 10-1 when leading after five.
UNM had its leadoff batter reach in four of the six innings.