May 16, 2013
SAN DIEGO, Calig. - New Mexico used a pair of big innings as it defeated San Diego State, 14-6, Thursday night at Tony Gwynn Stadium. It was the 17th win in the last 19 games for the No. 16 Lobos, who improved to 33-18 overall and 23-5 in the Mountain West. The Aztecs, meanwhile, saw their record drop to 26-26 (15-13 MW).
SDSU starting pitcher Michael Cederoth (3-7) retired the first six batters he face over the opening two innings, but was touched up for the six runs in the third on five hits and a walk. The sophomore right-hander went six innings in the contest allowing the six runs on seven hits with three walks and five strikeouts.
San Diego State responded to the Lobos' offensive outburst with a pair for runs in the bottom of the third and one in the fifth to cut the deficit to 6-3. Ryan Muno drove in all three of those Aztec runs with a two-run double in the third and a run-scoring single in the fifth. The SDSU first baseman ended the game with four hits.
Aztec starter Josh Walker, who would be credited with the win to improve to 10-0, went five innings allowing three runs on seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts. In his place, relievers Jake McCasland and Hobie McClain kept the SDSU offense in check until the final inning.
New Mexico broke the game open in the top of the seventh, scoring five times to up their advantage to 11-3. The big blow in the frame was a grand slam by Jake Campbell, his fourth home run of the season. UNM added three more runs to their total in the top of the ninth with the aid of four walks and a single.
SDSU scored three consolation runs in its final at bat with the first two coming a Tim Zier's second triple of the season that brought home Matt Muñoz and Greg Allen, who had both walked to begin the inning. It was Zier's fifth hit of the contest as he also recorded three singles, a double and scored three times. He scored SDSU's final run on a grounder to second by Muno, who finished with four RBI in the contest.
Between them, Zier and Muno accounted for nine of the Aztecs' 11 hits and all six of SDSU's RBI in the game with freshman Ty France responsible for the other two hits with a pair of singles.
New Mexico and San Diego State will play game two of their three-game set on Friday, May 17, at 6:00 p.m. at Tony Gwynn Stadium.