A three-run first inning was not enough offense to lead the Lobos to victory over Fresno State on Sunday, as the Bulldogs took two of three from New Mexico with a 5-4 win on Sunday at Pete Beiden Field.
The Lobos started off strong in the rubber match between the two MWC foes, with three runs in the first inning off of Fresno State starting pitcher Oscar Carvajal. Chris Dunn singled to right field to score leadoff hitter Danny Collier, and Derek Marshall and Robby Campillo followed with RBI doubles to give the Lobos an early three-run lead.
The Lobos would not score again until the top of the ninth inning when pinch hitter Hayden Schilling grounded into a double play. Fellow pinch-hitter Daniel Zakosek scored on the play, but it was a rally-killing double play turned by the Bulldogs in a critical moment in the contest.
Sunday starter Cody Dye pitched six innings of three-run baseball to earn the loss. The sophomore from Walnut, California allowed six hits and one walk while striking out six Bulldogs on the day.
Nikoh Mitchell pitched three strong innings of one-hit ball to earn the win for Fresno State, and Jamison Hill notched his fourth save of the year despite allowing an earned run in the top of the ninth inning.
With the loss, the Lobos fall to 6-7-1 overall and 2-4 in conference play.
New Mexico takes on Cal Poly and Pepperdine University in a pair of one-game series starting today before heading to Houston this weekend for a tournament hosted by the University of Houston.
The Lobos continue their MW schedule in a three-game home series against the Air Force Academy on March 23rd.