Lobos Fall to Spartans in MW Opener

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— Walks in the third inning spoiled UNM’s home and conference opener against San José State on Friday night with the Spartans scoring five runs in the inning in the 12-3, five-inning final.

Following a scoreless inning by both teams to open the contest, SJSU plated one run in the second on two singles to the outfield, a hit-by-pitch to load the bases and a two-out walk before a foul out to Miracle McKenzie at first ended the inning with the bases loaded.

The Lobos had their first runner reach in the bottom of the second on a fielding error during Hayden Luderer’s at-bat, with the Lobo outfielder stealing second to move into scoring position, but a grounder to shortstop left her at second.

San José State had its leadoff batter reach in the top of the third on a passed ball following a swinging strikeout, and after a fielder’s choice for the first out, hit back-to-back singles to load the bases. A fielder’s choice with Sydney Carithers getting the force out at home provided the second out, but a walk on a full count led to another run and a pitching change for the Lobos. Two more walks led to two more runs and forced another pitching change, leading to two more walks and two more runs before a pitching change and foul out to Allie Williams in right ended the inning.

SJSU scored five runs on two hits and benefited from five consecutive walks.

The Lobos responded with three runs on two hits to cut the deficit in half, with two runners reaching on walks. Emma Bramson led off the bottom of the third with a walk and DeNae Vasquez-Dickson drew a one-out, four-pitch walk. A fielder’s choice with the out at third set up a two-out rally with Jessica DeLeon hitting a double to left field to clear the bases. McKenzie followed with a single to right that allowed pinch runner Grace Rana to score from second, and Luderer kept the inning going with a hit-by-pitch before a grounder to third ended the opportunity to cut further into the lead with two runners left on.

A double, single through the left side and walk loaded the bases again for the Spartans in the top of the fourth, with the Lobos getting out of the inning on a fielder’s choice on a hit back to the circle with Lexi Atcitty throwing home for the force out and a popup to Katherine Brunner at shortstop.

SJSU added six runs in the fifth on a leadoff home run, a double to the gap in left center with bases loaded, two walks, a hit-by-pitch and single to left that led to a final run.

Williams reached on a one-out single with McKenzie drawing a two-out walk following a full count and fouling off four consecutive pitches in a nine-pitch at-bat, but a strikeout ended the game in five.

McKenzie led with two RBI with DeLeon adding one, with freshmen accounting for all three hits.

Game two of the series is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. MT.