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NM State to close home schedule with Sunday series finale.
Source: NMSU Athletics
By Michael Navarrette
Photo By Emilio Garcia for NMSU: Courtesy
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – NM State couldn’t overcome a relentless Western Kentucky offense on Friday afternoon, falling 19-3 in a game where the Hilltoppers’ bats erupted for 18 hits, including four home runs.
The Aggies got off to a promising start after WKU took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first on a solo homer by Joe Siervo. In the bottom half, Mitch Namie tripled and came around to score on an RBI groundout by Steve Solorzano, tying the game 1-1.
But momentum shifted sharply in the top of the third. WKU loaded the bases and capitalized with a two-run double from Ethan Lizama, a bunt RBI single, and a three-run homer by Kyle Hvidsten to make it 7-1. NM State starter Connor Wyldestruggled with command, walking five in the first three innings, including walking the first three batters in the third to set the table for the big inning.
The Aggies added a solo shot from Camden Kaufman in the fifth to make it 9-2, but WKU poured it on in the seventh, scoring 10 runs on nine hits, including two three-run homers from Austin Haller and Kyle Hayes.
Bright spots for the Aggies included a three-hit day from Brandon Forrester and a two-RBI performance from Solorzano. NM State showed fight by adding another run in the seventh on an RBI groundout from Solorzano, but the deficit was too steep to overcome.
NUMBERS OF NOTE
- Brandon Forrester turned in his team-high 19th multi-hit game of the year while recording his eighth three-hit game of the season.
- With a pair of RBIs, Steve Solorzano submitted his eighth multi-RBI game of the season.
- Mitch Namie recorded his second triple of the year, marking the Aggies’ 16th of the year as a team.
- The Hilltoppers’ 19 runs matches the most runs by an Aggie opponent this season.
- The loss marks the Aggies worst home loss since March 29, 2022, when NM State fell 19-2 at home to New Mexico.
- The Aggies turned another double play on Saturday evening, marking their 51st double play of the year – a number that paces all collegiate teams at the Division I level.
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