March 20, 2011
SAN DIEGO - New Mexico scored five times in the top of the sixth to overcome a three-run deficit and went on to defeat San Diego State, 6-4, Sunday afternoon. By salvaging the final contest of the three-game weekend series the Lobos improved to 4-15 overall and 1-2 in the Mountain West Conference while SDSU fell to 5-15 (2-1 MWC).
It was the pitchers were in control of the game over the first half of the contest. Both New Mexico starter Rudy Jaramillo and San Diego State's Cole Swanson allowed just two hits with neither team mounting a serious scoring threat.
That all changed in the bottom of the fifth when the Aztecs put three runs on the board. After loading the bases on two singles and a walk with two out, SDSU got RBI singles from Pat Colwell and Chris Wilson plus a bases-loaded walk to Brandon Meredith to open up a 3-0 lead.
The Lobos, however, got to a tiring Swanson in the top of the sixth. An error, single and walk loaded the base before DJ Peterson laced to double to left center to clear the bases and make it a tie ball game.
Swanson was able to retire the next two batters, but then surrendered back-to-back walks to re-load the bases. Kyle Stiner then singled up the middle to bring home a pair of runs and give the visitors a 5-3 advantage.
That offensive spurt would make a winner of Jaramillo, who improved to 1-2. Swanson (0-1) would be saddled with the loss in his first start of the season.
UNM added a run in its half of the eight before the Aztecs made one final attempt to rally in the bottom of the ninth against reliever Cory Maltz. Cody Smith led off with a double and went to third when the ball was booted by the New Mexico left fielder. He scored on an ensuing ground out to first by Evan Potter to make it a 6-4 game.
After Tim Zier walked the Lobos brought Quay Grant to the mound. Grant, who had been at third base throughout the game, retired the next two batters to secure the victory as he picked up his first save of the season.
Pat Colwell ended the day with four hits and an RBI while teammate Cody Smith had a pair of hits and scored once.
Up next for the Aztecs is a trip to UC Riverside on Tuesday, March 22, to take on the Highlanders at the Riverside Sports Complex at 6:00 p.m.