Lobos clinch MWC regular season crown with 13-6 victory over Nevada

Matt Villalobos hit a clutch three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to propel the Lobos to a 13-6 win over Nevada on Saturday afternoon at Santa Ana Star Field, clinching the Mountain West Conference regular season title for the Lobos.

Villalobos, a fitting name for a UNM athlete, entered the game as a defensive replacement for head coach Ray Birmingham without an extra-base hit on the season. As an example of the improbable beauty of sports, Villalobos worked a full count before hitting a blast to right field to put the Lobos on top for good.

UNM would go on to score seven runs in the frame in a must-win game as the Lobos clinched their sixth MWC regular season title.

In addition to bragging rights, winning the regular season crown gives UNM the right to host the MWC Tournament as the No.1 seed. The Lobos will kick off tournament play on Thursday against Nevada at 7 p.m.

No.2 San Diego State will take on No. 3 Fresno State in the opening match of the tournament at 3 p.m. Be sure to catch all of the action live and in crystal clear FM stereo on ESPN Radio 101.7 The TEAM.