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Aggies return for second game of series on Saturday at Noon MT.
Source: NMSU Athletics
By Michael Navarrette
Photo By Russell James for NMSU Courtesy
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Despite taking control of a late lead, NM State fell just short in a 6-5 loss to Liberty on Friday evening at Liberty Baseball Stadium.
The Aggies (11-11) struck early with a three-run third inning powered by a three-run home run from Steve Solorzano. Solorzano continued his big night with an RBI walk in the eighth, finishing the game with three RBIs to lead the way for the Aggies
The Aggies added another run in the fourth on an RBI single from Joey Craig, giving them a 4-2 lead. Meanwhile, starting pitcher Jack Turner provided a steady presence on the mound, working six innings, allowing four earned runs on seven hits while striking out four. Relievers Cooper Reese and Carson Timmons combined for the final two-plus innings.
Liberty (17-6) capitalized on its opportunities late, tying the game at 4-4 in the sixth before walking off in the ninth with a two-run home run. Liberty’s Garrett McLaughlin earned the win, closing out the game with 1.1 innings of relief.
Despite the loss, NM State showed resilience throughout the contest. Tommy Meluskey reached base twice after being hit by pitches, and the Aggie defense turned a key double play in the fifth to keep the game tight. This marked the Aggies’ 19th double play of the year.
The Aggies and Flames will return for the second game of the weekend series on Saturday at Noon MT. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+ with live stats provided by StatBroadcast.
For complete coverage of NM State Baseball, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateBaseball), Instagram (@NMStateBaseball) and like us on Facebook (NM State Baseball).
