-and-
Despite a spirited effort at the plate, the Aggies were unable to keep pace with Portland’s offensive outburst.
Source: NMSU Athletics
By Michael Navarrette
Photo By Destinie Ramos for NMSU: Courtesy
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – After hanging 12 runs on the Pilots on Friday night, NM State faced a relentless Portland offense on Saturday afternoon, falling 18-8 in seven innings in a tough battle at Presley Askew Field. Despite a spirited effort at the plate, the Aggies were unable to keep pace with Portland’s offensive outburst.
The visitors struck early, plating five runs in the opening inning, capped by Jonas Salk’s three-run homer. Portland added two more in the second and five in the third, putting NM State in a deep hole they couldn’t climb out of. Portland continued to add runs in later innings, tacking on two more in both the fifth and seventh frames to maintain firm control of the contest.
NM State showed resilience with an eight-run performance, highlighted by Tommy Meluskey’s stellar game. The center fielder went 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, and four RBIs. His two-run blast in the fourth inning briefly gave the Aggies momentum, but Portland’s offense continued to apply pressure.
Bryce Campbell also contributed, going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, providing a consistent presence at the plate. Brandon Forrester added a 1-for-3 performance, driving in two runs to aid the Aggies’ effort.
The Aggies managed to chip away throughout the game, but Portland’s steady scoring kept NM State at bay. NM State loaded the bases in the seventh inning, threatening a comeback, but Portland’s bullpen held firm, allowing just one run to close out the game.
Starter Hayden Lewis (0-2) lasted 1.1 innings and surrendered seven runs on seven hits. NM State’s bullpen struggled to stop the bleeding as five relievers combined to allow 11 more runs across the final 5.2 innings.
NUMBERS OF NOTE
- Tommy Meluskey posted a career high four RBIs on Saturday evening to mark the most in a single game by any Aggie this season. With a pair of hits, he now has back-to-back games with two hits. Additionally, the Oregon transfer smashed his first collegiate home run in the loss.
- In just his second appearance of the season, Bryce Campbell finished with a pair of hits and a pair of RBIs to register season highs in both.
- The Aggies dropped to 8-5 at Presley Askew Field and are now 7-3 when wearing their white uniforms. Additionally, NM State is now 2-3 in the second game of a weekend series this season.
- Brandon Forrester tallied his second consecutive multi-RBI game and his third of the season. He also continues to lead the Aggies in hits with 28.
- Both Sheehan O’Connor and Camden Kaufman extended their hit streaks to four games.
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