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Lobos Knock Off Grand Canyon in Midweek Action, 12-10

by Connor Gilbert

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. โ€“ New Mexico launched four home runs and used a pair of five-run frames to knock off Grand Canyon 12-10 in high-scoring midweek nonconference action at home on Tuesday night at Santa Ana Star Field, marking the Lobosโ€™ first win over the Lopes in five years.

Trailing 4-2 entering the bottom of the fifth, UNM (13-11, 4-2 MW) erupted for five runs in the frame to take the lead for good. The Lobos tacked on five more in the seventh, holding off a late push from GCU (14-10. 2-1 WAC) to win their seventh home game in a row.

Akili Carris (2-for-4, HR, 5 RBI, 2B) fueled the offensive outburst with two clutch hits that sparked both five-spots for UNM, delivering a three-run double in the fifth before crushing his first career homer to drive in three runs in the seventh and notch a new career-high with 5 RBI.

Jordy Oriach (3-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2B) also had a big night at the plate, collecting three hits and matching McAlister with his eighth big fly of the year as part of the Lobosโ€™ five-run fifth.

New Mexico finished with nine hits, with Josh McAlister (1-for-3, HR, RBI, BB) going yard for the eighth time this season and Andrew Neil (1-for-5, HR, RBI) adding a solo shot โ€“ his fourth in his last five games โ€“ to give the Lobos their third game of the season with four or more homers.

On a staff day on the mound for the โ€˜Bos, LHP Matt Romero (1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K) got the start, tossing a 1-2-3 frame in the first before RHP Brian McBroom (1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB) and RHP Luke Wiseman (1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER) provided early relief.ย 

RHP Tommy White (1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K) picked up the win despite some turbulence to improve to 2-0 on the season, while RHP Josh Barnhouse (1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER) and RHP Ty Cunningham (1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, Save) locked things down over the final two frames, with Cunningham earning his fifth save of the season.

ON DECK
New Mexico will turn its focus back to Mountain West play this weekend, hosting a three-game series with Air Force at Santa Ana Star Field (March 28-30). Follow @UNMLoboBaseball on IG, X and Facebook for comprehensive coverage, promotional updates, behind-the-scenes content and more.

ALL-TIME SERIES
After snapping a five-game losing streak to the Lopes, UNM leads the all-time series with GCU 25-16, with a 12-5 record in matchups at home and an 11-10 record on the road (1-0 neutral).