ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico used dominant pitching in the opener and timely hitting in the nightcap to sweep Saturday’s doubleheader from Northern Colorado Saturday at Lobo Baseball Field, earning a 6-0 shutout in Game 1 before holding on for a 6-5 win in Game 2 to improve to 7-0 on the season.
After scoring double-digit runs in each of their first five games and run-ruling opponents in four straight, the Lobos won two more on Saturday despite plating just six runs in each. Their 7-0 start now matches 2008 for best start to the season since 1973.
They'll return for one more go-round with the Bears in Sunday's series finale, with Freshman LHP Ethin Woltz set to start on the bump for the second weekend in a row.
GAME ONE RECAP
In the first game, the Lobos rode a stellar performance from RHP Ryan Castillo (5.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K) in his second start of the year – the junior tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings and allowed just two hits while striking out six. RHP Josh Barnhouse (3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K) kept the Bears off the board the rest of the way to secure the combined three-hit shutout and his first save of the season.
Offensively, UNM scored two runs in the second and two more in the third to seize control early. Karsen Waslefsky launched a solo home run, while Brodey Williams drove in two and finished with a pair of hits. Khalil Walker added two hits and scored once as the Lobos totaled nine hits and drew eight walks in the 6-0 victory.
GAME TWO RECAP
Game 2 proved more dramatic. After building a 3-0 lead through four innings, the Lobos had to withstand a late Northern Colorado rally before securing the 6-5 win. Luke Mansy's third homer of the weekend and a huge triple from Khalil Walker in the bottom of the sixth proved to be the difference down the stretch as the Lobos' relievers stranded three Northern Colorado runners on base in the final three frames.
Mansy led the lineup in Game Two, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI, while Walker added a triple and two runs scored. Tristan Russell and Gene Trujillo each delivered key RBI as UNM went 4-for-8 with runners in scoring position. After hitting just one homer in his first 52 games a Lobo, Mansy has homered three times in the last three games.
On the mound, RHP Luke Wiseman (2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R / 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K) earned the win in relief with 2.2 innings of one-run ball, and RHP Talor Grubbs (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K) worked around a hit to end a scoreless ninth and collect his first save.
ACROSS 18 INNINGS
As a staff, the Lobos struck out 15 over 18 innings and posted a 2.50 team ERA across the twin bill.
Offensively, Khalil Walker led the way, going 4-for-7 (.571) with a triple, three runs scored and two walks. Brodey Williams hit .667 (2-for-3) with a double, two RBI and a .750 on-base percentage.
Luke Mansy provided power with a home run, finishing 2-for-7 with two RBI and six total bases, while Karsen Waslefsky homered as well and drove in two. Lenny Ashby added three hits and two RBI over the two games, reaching base five times.
As a team, UNM totaled 18 hits, four doubles, one triple and two home runs in the doubleheader sweep.
ON DECK
The Lobos (7-0) look to secure back-to-back series sweeps for the first time since 2017 when they take on the Bears (0-7) in Sunday’s finale, set for a 12 p.m. MT first pitch. Sunday’s game will be streamed via the Mountain West Network at GoLobos.com/Watch, with live stats 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.