Lobos Lose to Aztecs Saturday
SAN DIEGO—The Lobos took a 2-1 lead in the top of the third of Saturday’s game at San Diego State, but the Aztecs answered with a run in the bottom of the inning and ultimately scored the final five runs of the game for the 6-2 final.
After SDSU took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second, Hayden Luderer led off the third inning with a single to right with Ashley Archuleta making it consecutive runners reach on a bunt single. Luderer stole third with Archuleta later advancing to second on a wild pitch to put both runners in scoring position. Miracle McKenzie hit a sacrifice fly with Luderer tagging from third for the first run, and Jessica DeLeon hit a single to center to score Archuleta from second to give UNM the lead. UNM had a chance to add to it with consecutive walks by Allie Williams and Sydney Carithers to load the bases and forced an Aztec pitching change, but a fly ball to left stranded the runners.
SDSU used a two-out rally in the bottom of the third to tie the game, with Archuleta reaching on a two-out double in the fourth before the Aztecs took the lead in the bottom of the fourth with a run following an infield single, stolen base and two bunts. SDSU added three runs in the fifth on a three-run home run for the final runs of the game.
A leadoff single by Carithers to start the sixth and two at-bats later, a single up the middle by pinch hitter Ella Dawson gave UNM a chance to cut into the deficit, however, a double play ended the inning. The seventh followed suit with the Lobos having a runner reach as Archuleta reached on a fielding error, and following a fielder’s choice, a double play ended the game.
Archuleta led the Lobos with two of UNM’s seven hits in the game with McKenzie and DeLeon accounting for the RBI.
In the circle, McKenna Guest got the start and went 3.0 innings with four strikeouts to two walks and allowed two runs on four hits before Caprice Barela entered to begin the fourth inning, going 1.1 innings. Lexi Atcitty threw the final 1.2 innings, allowing no runs on one hit, one strikeout and one walk.
The Lobos conclude the series with the Aztecs on Sunday at 12 p.m. PT/ 1 p.m. MT.