Prior to Friday’s first pitch, New Mexico State Athletics formally introduced the ballpark’s new name—Presley Askew Field at Johnson Stadium—recognizing a transformational donation aimed at enhancing the experience for student-athletes and fans.
By Levi Gwaltney
Source: NMSU Athletics
Photos: Courtesy
What began as a ceremonial night at Presley Askew Field at Johnson Stadium turned into a difficult two-game stretch for New Mexico State Aggies baseball, as they fell twice to Liberty Flames baseball following a weather-delayed contest.
Prior to Friday’s first pitch, New Mexico State Athletics formally introduced the ballpark’s new name—Presley Askew Field at Johnson Stadium—recognizing a transformational donation aimed at enhancing the experience for student-athletes and fans.
Suspended Game Turns Saturday
Friday’s opener was halted by rain in the fifth inning with the score tied 3-3, after the Aggies answered Liberty’s fourth-inning surge with a two-out run to even the game.
When play resumed Saturday, Liberty seized control.
The Flames scored five unanswered runs after the restart and pulled away late, defeating New Mexico State 15-4. Liberty finished with 18 hits, while the Aggies collected 12 in the contest.
First baseman Steve Solorzano led the Aggies at the plate, going 3-for-5 with an RBI.
The loss dropped New Mexico State to 19-25 overall and 8-14 in Conference USA play.
Aggies Rally Falls Short in Game Two
In the second game of the day, New Mexico State showed early offensive momentum but could not hold off a late Liberty surge in a 9-7 loss.
The Aggies built a 7-3 lead through six innings, highlighted by:
- a solo home run from Solorzano
- a three-run fourth inning
- continued production from Camden Kaufman and Chris Daniels
New Mexico State outhit Liberty 16-9, but defensive miscues and timely hitting by the Flames proved decisive.
Liberty scored three runs in the seventh to take the lead and added insurance in the ninth on a three-run home run by Nick Barone.
Series Context
Liberty improved to 34-13 overall and 17-6 in Conference USA, extending its winning streak, while the Aggies fell to 19-26 overall and 8-15 in conference play.
A New Name, A Continuing Season
The weekend marked the first games played under the new Presley Askew Field at Johnson Stadium name, linking a moment of program investment with the ongoing grind of conference play.
For New Mexico State, the focus now shifts forward as the Aggies look to regain footing in the Conference USA standings with the regular season entering its final stretch.
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