After falling to the Utah State Aggies Thursday in their first game in Mountain Conference play, the New Mexico Lobos bounced back Friday Night to even the weekend series with a 13-6 victory.
The Lobos came out of the gates swinging, jumping to an early 5-1 lead after two innings.
Junior third baseman Jasmine Casados opened up the scoreboardwith an RBI double in the 1st inning, scoring senior center fielder Mariah Rimmer.
Catcher Chelsea Johnson continues the inning with a two-run double to deep right field putting UNM up 3-0 after an inning of play.
In the bottom of the 2nd inning, Michala Erickson floated one into right field bringing the runners on second and third home. And just like that, UNM lead 5-1 after two.
Reminiscent of yesterday’s game, the Lobos gave up their lead in the 4th inning. This time they allowed 5 runs to be scored in the top of the fourth and quickly found themselves down 6-5.
However, the Lobo bats quickly responded.
With bases loaded and no outs, Rimmer singled and brought in the tying run on third to tie the game up at 6. Then with 1 out and bases loaded Johnson crushed a shot to right field for a grand slam to regain the lead 10-6.
Then in the bottom of the 5th, with runners on second and third, Rimmer blasted her third homer of the year, giving UNM a comfortable 13-6..
Not much would change as the Lobos would close things out and improve to 16-12, and clinch their first conference win of the season (1-1 MW).
Tess McPherson was credited with the win (3-1), as she pitched 4 innings allowing 0 earned runs, 3 hits, and 1 strikeout. Chelsea Johnson went 4-4 with 6 RBIs, hitting 2 doubles, a single, and her 2nd homerun of the season.
“She’s at a great mental place and feeling really confident with the bat right now,” Beach said of Johnson’s game. “It’s been really fun seeing her show everyone else what we know what she can do and it’s been fun seeing her put everything on the field.”
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The Lobos will look to win the weekend series against the Aggies on Saturday at noon at Lobo Softball Field.
Wally Gallart is a sports reporter for the Daily Lobo. He covers softball. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on twitter @wallyagallart.
