May 1, 2010
SAN DIEGO - In a reversal of roles from Friday night's game, New Mexico unleashed its offense and got an excellent pitching performance from its starter as it defeated San Diego State, 14-1, at Tony Gwynn Stadium Saturday evening. It was the complete opposite of the Aztecs' 11-0 victory over the Lobos the previous night.
The win improved UNM to 29-15 overall as it solidified its hold on second place in the Mountain West Conference at 11-5. The Aztecs, meanwhile, saw their record fall of 22-22 (7-7 MWC).
On Saturday it was New Mexico that got out of the gate quickly, scoring single runs in the second and third plus five more in the fourth to take a 7-0 lead. Those seven runs came off SDSU starter Bryan Crabb, who struggled after retiring the side in order in the opening frame. The freshman right-hander lasted just 3.1 innings as his record ell to 4-4 on the year.
Lobo starting pitcher Willy Kesler was stellar over his eight innings. He allowed just a pair of hits along with five walks with seven strikeouts. Both of the singles he gave up came with two outs and no Aztec advanced past second base through the first eight frames.
New Mexico added a pair of runs in the sixth and then, just as SDSU did on Friday, added five more in their final at bat. That five-run ninth was highlighted a by two runs homer by UNM's Justin Howard and Chris Juarez.
San Diego State got a consolation run in the bottom of the ninth on a pair of walks and a throwing error by Lobo reliever Austin House that came on a an infield single by Ryan O'Sullivan. Although the run was charged to Kesler, it was of the unearned variety.
The Aztecs' other two hits on the night came courtesy of Mitch Blackburn and Cory Vaughn. Blackburn's single in the opening frame extended his hitting steak to 23 games.
SDSU and New Mexico will finish up their three-game series on Sunday with a contest slated for a 1:00 p.m. start.