New Mexico nearly pulled an upset over No. 25 Texas A&M in the final game of the Mary Nutter Classic in Palm Springs, California on Sunday, but the Lobos fell an inning short in an 8-7 loss.
As a result, UNM went 3-2 in its second tournament to open the 2016 campaign.
The Lobos held a 7-3 lead on the Aggies heading into the bottom of the seventh inning after scoring four runs in the second inning and another three in the fourth. However, Texas A&M surged back with five runs in the final half inning for the one-run victory.
Catcher Jasmine Casados brought home three RBIs in a 2-for-4 hitting effort. Right fielder Cheyenne Smith went 2-for-2 with two runs scores, while first baseman Karissa Haleman was 2-for-3 with a run.
Starting Lobo pitcher Colette Robert threw six innings, surrendering six earned runs on 11 hits with six strikeouts. In 2/3 of an inning, Krissy Fortner had a strikeout and allowed only one hit. Neither pitcher gave up a walk.
UNM (5-5) opened the tournament Friday with a 2-1 loss to Arkansas and a 6-5 victory over Loyola Marymount. The Lobos then won both of their Saturday games, beating Bethune-Cookman 8-4 and Pacific 13-5 in five innings.
UNM travels for one more weekend tournament at UC Davis next weekend before beginning its home schedule on March 5.
J.R. Oppenheim is the assistant sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers men’s basketball and women’s soccer. Contact him at assistantsports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @JROppenheim.
