Lobos Drop Series Opener to Rhode Island, 14-13
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico Baseball put up 15 hits and 12 RBIs but came up just short in a 14-13 loss to Rhode Island on Friday at Santa Ana Star Field. The Lobos led 13-10 entering the eighth inning, but the Rams plated five runs in the final two frames to secure the win.
Jordy Oriach (4-for-6, HR, 3B, 3 RBI) and Josh McAlister (2-for-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI) led the Lobos’ offensive surge — with Oriach homering for the fourth game in a row and McAlister doubling his homer total on the season — while Ethan Ott added two doubles and two RBIs. Khalil Walker also contributed with a home run of his own and a double.
The game was a back-and-forth slugfest from the start, with both teams trading explosive innings. Rhode Island jumped out to an early 5-1 lead after scoring four in the second, but New Mexico responded immediately with five runs in the bottom half to go up 6-5. The Lobos extended their lead to 8-6 in the third, only for the Rams to tie it again in the fourth. After another Rhode Island rally in the fifth, UNM countered with three runs in the same inning to retake an 11-9 advantage.
The Lobos maintained their lead through the middle innings, but Rhode Island broke through late with a three-run eighth to take a 13-11 lead. New Mexico managed to tie it at 13 in the bottom half before the Rams pushed across the decisive run in the ninth. The Lobos got the tying run on base in the bottom of the ninth but couldn’t complete the comeback.
On the mound, Diego Alvarez (4.2 IP, 9 H, 9 ER, 1 BB, 3 K) took the start, while Josh Barnhouse (2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K) worked into the eighth. Daxton Purser (2.0 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K) was charged with the loss after allowing the go-ahead runs.
ON DECK
The Lobos (5-5) get another crack at the Rams (4-4) in Saturday’s Game Two, set for a 3 p.m. first pitch. All of this weekend’s action at home will be broadcast for free via the Mountain West Network, with live stats, streaming options and more available via GoLobos.com/BSBGameDay. Follow @UNMLoboBaseball on IG, X and Facebook for comprehensive coverage, promotional updates, behind-the-scenes content and more.