March 18, 2012
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - New Mexico scored eight times in the bottom of the sixth inning after falling behind by six runs as it defeated San Diego State, 8-6, Sunday afternoon to complete a three-game sweep of the Aztecs.
The loss was the fourth straight for SDSU, which saw its record drop to 9-11 (0-3 Mountain West). The Lobos, meanwhile, improved to 8-10 overall and 3-0 in conference play.
San Diego State got on the board quickly as it put four runs on the board with two out in the top of the first inning. With runners at first and third, Matt Muñoz's single through the right side brought home the game's first run. An ensuing RBI single by Chris Wilson and a two-run single from John Spirk gave the visitors a 4-0 lead.
The Aztecs added to their advantage with two in the next inning courtesy of run-scoring singles by Greg Allen and Seby Zavala to make it 6-0. That ended the afternoon for UNM starting pitcher Rudy Jaramillo, who went 1.2 innings allowing the six runs on nine hits. The senior lefty gave way to Alexis Garza, who would shut down the SDSU offense over the next 5.1 frames.
San Diego State starter Ryan Doran blanked the Lobos over the first five innings, but ran into trouble in the bottom of the sixth. The junior right-hander surrender five runs on seven hits and had two runners aboard with two out before Justin Hepner was summoned from the bullpen in a relief role.
Hepner, however, went 3-1 to Mitchell Garver before the Lobo left fielder launched a ball over the left center field fence to drive home three runs and give UNM its first lead of the day at 8-6.
San Diego State would get at least one man on base in each of the final three frames, but was unable to add to its run total. UNM closer Gera Sanchez came on to toss the final two innings and record his second save of the weekend and third of the season. Garza would be credited with the win to even his record at 1-1 while Doran would be charged with the loss to fall to 0-2.
Freshman second baseman Matt Muñoz led the Aztecs with four hits, a run and RBI in the game while teammate Greg Allen had three hits including a double and RBI.
Up next for San Diego State is a contest against the University of San Diego scheduled for Tuesday, March 20, at 6:00 p.m. at Tony Gwynn Stadium.