The UNM baseball team’s offense finally found its rhythm, pounding out 16 runs on its way to a 16-9 win over Mountain West Conference foe University of Utah Thursday at the Albuquerque Sports Stadium.
After getting blanked three times in a span of a month, the Lobos have scored 37 runs the last three games, including Thursday’s performance — its best offensive output this season. UNM improved its record to 10-13 on the season and have won four of the last five games. The win evened the Lobos’ conference record to 2-2. Utah fell to 10-10 on the season and 0-1 in conference play.
UNM rebounded from a six-run rally by the Utes in the top of the third inning with a seven-run spurt in the bottom half of the inning, keyed by wild pitching and a couple of doubles.
UNM started the inning connecting three hits on three straight pitches, resulting in two runs. Right fielder Donny Sevieri was hit by a pitch from Utah starter Ryan Bailey and catcher Scott Tajima surprised the Utah defense with a bunt single to load the bases. Then, Bailey’s control betrayed him, walking left fielder Casey Tornberg and hitting shortstop Dusty Young for two runs. Second baseman Troy Cairns continued the hit parade, getting plunked to score the fifth run of the inning. Designated hitter Chris Alexander capped the rally with a two-run single up the middle.
UNM continued the onslaught with two runs in the fifth inning, three in the sixth, and another run in the seventh.
The Lobos finished with six doubles for the game, including two by Sevieri that resulted in three RBIs for the junior. Alexander led the hit parade with three hits, which knocked in three runs for the Lobos.
Utah managed to close to within 12-9 in the top of sixth inning when left fielder Donnie Saba hit a three-run home run. Those were the only runs given up by relief pitcher James Vermylia, who took over for starter David Young, in three innings of work.
Vermylia, who had given up seven earned runs in only two-thirds of a inning in the conference opener against Brigham Young University March 1, made quick work of Utah, allowing only one base runner in the fourth and fifth innings. He settled down after giving up the home run and would have been out of the inning sooner if not for an error by first baseman Anthony Lovato on a slow roller by designated hitter Chris Shelton.
However, with the bases loaded, Ute right fielder Brit Pannier ended the threat with a grounder to Cairns, who flipped to Young for a force out at second base.
Utah threatened the Lobos’ lead in the ninth inning, scoring two runs on a double by second baseman Adam Castleton, bringing in Maestas and Saba. Pitcher Kris Gross walked first baseman Nate Weese and Shelton to load the bases with one out. Jeff Perez came in to quell the threat and induced center fielder Sam Swenson, Utah’s best hitter, into a double play to Svetlic to end the game.
Vermylia took the win and improved to 2-0 on the season and Perez earned his third save. Bailey took the loss and fell to 3-2.
UNM will play Utah tonight at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Sports Stadium.
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