March 26, 2010
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - New Mexico scored six times in the third inning and was never threatened the rest of the way as it defeated San Diego state, 12-7, Friday night at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque. The win ended a three-game losing streak for UNM which improved to 15-9 overall and 2-2 in the Mountain West Conference. The loss dropped SDSU to 9-12 as the game was its 2010 league opener.
The Lobos six-runs in the third, four of which were earned, came off Aztec starter John Pecoraro (0-1). The sophomore right-hander was making his first career start after being pressed into service due to the injury to regular Friday night hurler Addison Reed.
After loading the bases on a pair of singles and a walk, Pecoraro gave up a grand slam to UNM designated hitter Ryan Honeycutt. A walk, two more hits and a sacrifice fly led to the other two runs before freshman Corey Black was called in from the bullpen.
SDSU got a run back in the third on a triple by Matt Parker and RBI single from Chris Wilson to make it 6-1, but SDSU was unable to get any closer over the rest of the contest.
After the home side put up a run in the bottom of the third, SDSU made it 7-2 with a run in the fifth when Cory Vaughn singled, advanced on a walk to Jordan Van Hoosier, stole third and scored on Parker's sacrifice fly to right.
Lobo starting pitcher Richard Olson went the first seven innings, allowing just the two runs despite giving up eight hits and three walks. He was credited with the win to even his record at 2-2.
San Diego State tried to make it interesting as it scored five times over the final two innings. Chris Wilson had a two-run single in the eighth while Vaughn clubbed a three-run homer in the ninth.
Jomel Torres finished the night with three hits and a run scored for the Aztecs while Vaughn and Wilson had two hits apiece with three and two RBI respectively.
Aztec sophomore Ryan O'Sullivan made his first appearance since suffering an injury in the third game of the season. He entered the game late in the contest in the DH role, reaching on an error in the eighth and reaching on a single in the ninth.
San Diego State and New Mexico continue their three-game series on Saturday with a contest scheduled for a 2:00 p.m.; (MT) start in Albuquerque.