by Kelly Brocklehurst
Daily Lobo
Strong hitting and a solid defense brought the Lobos a doubleheader win against New Mexico State on Sunday. The Lobos swept the Aggies, winning the two games 8-3 and 14-12.
The sweep was an important victory for the Lobos, who lost their first four games this season.
"It was a good monkey off our back, so to speak, after last weekend," senior catcher Jeff Grady said. "I think we played exceptionally well."
The Lobos had 12 hits in the first game, including four doubles, two triples and a solo home run by junior A.J. Spitaleri.
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The Lobo offense continued to rain hits on the Aggies in the second game. The Lobos had four doubles, one triple and an inside-the-park home run by second baseman Jordan Pacheco.
"It was pretty fun," Pacheco said of his solo shot to deep right-center.
The score was tied in the third inning after Lobo pitcher Darren Coltrinari balked, allowing the Aggies to score. Pacheco's home run helped increase the Lobos' lead to 6-4.
The Aggies rallied in the sixth inning, when freshman reliever Bobby Moore had two consecutive walks with the bases loaded. They were not able to take the lead, despite having five runs in the inning.
"We pitched well," head coach Rich Alday said.
Pitchers Jackie Smith and Kevin Letz got the Lobos out of a tight spot. Smith allowed two runs, while Letz pitched a solid ninth inning.
Despite hitting a batter, Letz struck out two Aggies. The third out came when Aggie catcher Brandon Lance hit a fly ball.
First baseman Daniel Stovall, who leads the team in RBIs, continued his steady play. He had two doubles, one in each game, and both doubles brought in runs for the Lobos.
Stovall also brought in a run with a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning of the second game. Stovall and sophomore Chris Carlson had back-to-back doubles, bringing in runs in each of the games.
As the weather grew colder, the Lobos continued their hot play. In a team effort against the Aggies, junior shortstop Ryan Barba (2-for-4, two RBIs), sophomore center fielder Matt Foote (1-for-4, two runs), and senior left fielder Garrick Haymore (5-for-5, two RBIs) contributed to the Lobos' win over the Aggies.
The Lobos' next game is against Texas State at 6 p.m. on Friday.
