by Phil Parker
Daily Lobo
UNM welcomes Utah to Lobo field this weekend for an important three-game series.
As the season winds down, the Lobos are looking to claw their way back to the top of the Mountain West standings.
After a series loss to BYU in Provo, Utah, last weekend, the Lobos (10-8 MWC) are fourth in the conference standings. They trail UNLV (15-3 MWC), as well as San Diego State and BYU (both 11-7 MWC).
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Despite losing three of the last four games, including a 16-14 loss at the hands of Texas Tech on Tuesday, head coach Rich Alday said he sees no reason to get discouraged.
"We're still right in the thick of things," he said. "As far as confidence goes, we're only one game [out of second]. We're in good spirits and we're going to be ready to go this weekend."
Despite steady improvement during the last two weeks, the Lobos bullpen remains a concern. During a recent five-game losing streak, they had late leads in each contest only to watch the opposing team come from behind to win.
"It's a problem," Alday said. "But it was our starters who gave up all those runs the last game."
Alday said he plans to tighten his rotation for the rest of the season, relying on his "good relievers."
A bright spot for the pitching staff has been the stellar play of right-hander James Vermilyea.
The junior is coming off a complete game against BYU in which he struck out 10 batters and walked only one. The win improved his record to 5-1 and earned him Pitcher of the Week honors in the MWC.
It was the third time this season Vermilyea has pitched the entire nine innings of a game.
"Our starters are the key for us this weekend," Alday said. "Jim Vermilyea will start the first game, and it's going to be important for us to keep him in there. Hopefully we can get seven or eight innings out of our starters."
Vermilyea explained what his role needs to be.
"My main job is to eat up innings so we can save our bullpen for later in the week., Vermilyea said. "Plus, it's always nice to get a complete game under your belt."
The three complete games by Vermilyea tie him with two other players for first in the conference.
This weekend's games will be important for Vermilyea and the Lobos to reestablish themselves as contenders in the MWC.
The drop in the standings from second to fourth will only serve as motivation.
"We need to play good defense against these guys this weekend," Alday said. "If we do that, and play our game otherwise, hopefully we can sweep them."
The Utes come into Albuquerque with an 18-20 overall record, 6-11 in the MWC. They are currently ranked fifth in the conference, right behind the Lobos.
Game time is set for 3 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Lobo Field.
