March 29, 2013
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - New Mexico scored three times in the bottom of the seventh inning to erase a one-run deficit as it came from behind to defeat San Diego State, 7-5, Friday afternoon in Albuquerque. The Lobos (13-12, 6-2 Mountain West) bested the Aztecs (12-14, 4-4 MW) for the second day in row to ensure that they will finish the weekend in first place in the conference.
SDSU did not trail in the game until that three-run seventh inning outburst by UNM after initially taking the lead with three runs in the top of the third. Those markers came courtesy of Tim Zier's two -run single and an RBI base hit by Ryan Muno. The Lobos, however, answered with three of their own in their half of the same inning off Aztec starting pitcher Philip Walby.
San Diego State re-took the lead in the top of the fifth on an RBI double by Greg Allen only to have New Mexico tie the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the next frame.
The Aztecs grabbed the lead once again in their half of the seventh, this time on a ground rule double by Zier that scored Evan Potter, who had led off the inning with a double to left.
New Mexico's seventh inning saw the Lobos load the bases on a double and two walks against SDSU reliever Ethan Miller, who had come on in the fifth to replace Walby. Justin Hepner was then brought in from the bullpen and gave up an infield single to bring home the tying run before Jared Holly singled to right to make it a 7-5 contest. Miller was charged with the three runs in the inning and would take the loss to fall to 3-1.
Lobo right-hander Gabe Aguilar was the beneficiary of his team's rally as he claimed the win to improve to 3-2 on the year. Josh Walker tossed the ninth inning to record his fourth save.
Zier finished the afternoon with two hits including a double and three RBI while teammate Danny Sheehan had a pair of singles.
San Diego State and New Mexico will wrap up their three-game series on Saturday with a contest scheduled to get underway at 1:00 p.m. (MT).