On a breezy day at Presley Askew Field, New Mexico State baseball took home their first sweep of the season after a 14-4 seven-inning win against the Northern Colorado Bears. Junior left-handed pitcher Connor Wylde was accredited with the win, earning his second victory of the season. The Aggies remained aggressive offensively throughout the entire series, posting an 11-6 victory on day one, followed by a 19-11 win on day two and another seven-inning triumph with a 22-12 score on day three.
The Bears kicked off the final game quickly, making it on the scoreboard with a 2-0 lead after an RBI double from Garrett Fisher and an RBI single from Zain Zinicola.
After a scoreless second inning, the Aggies found their way back on top after batting in four runs in the bottom of the third. The scoring effort began after freshman Steve Solorzano was hit in the batter’s box with the bases loaded, bringing in the first run. The Aggies then pulled a 4-2 lead after a bases clearing double from senior Nick Gore brought in three runs.
The Aggies continued their aggressive effort in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI double to left center from senior Romeo Ballesteros that plated junior Austin Corbett. With the momentum of their side, Edwin Martinez-Pagani earned an RBI off a fielder’s choice, and after a throwing error from the Bears’ shortstop, the Aggies grew their lead to 7-2. The Bears began to feel the pressure, evident with a fielding error that gave the Aggies another unearned run after a single to center field. Tacking on another run to finish the inning was sophomore Mitch Namie with a shot to left center that brought in Preston Godfrey for a commanding 9-2 lead.
With three quick outs on both sides in the fifth inning, the Bears were finally able to stop the bleeding slightly in the top of the sixth. Carson Gross jump-started the effort with a ground out to first base to bring in the runner on third, followed by a single from Fisher to bring the score to 9-4.
Despite the Bears’ effort, the Aggies remained unshaken and aggressive at the plate. After back-to-back home run blasts from Martinez-Pagani and Gore, the bleachers erupted in the bottom half with the 11-4 lead. With the Aggie dugout roaring with uproar, the Bears no longer stood a chance.
After only facing four batters in the top of the seventh, the Aggies needed to secure three more runs to enact the 10-run mercy rule. After two walks, Martinez-Pagani stepped up to the plate and singled up the middle to bring in the first run. Gore continued the effort with another fielder’s choice, bringing the score to 13-4, and after the Bears’ Kevin Sharp walked in the final run, the Aggies swept their first opponent of the season.
“They came out with a real aggressive mindset,” said Aggie head coach Jake Angier after the victory. “We talked earlier in the week about getting really committed to whatever the goal or the approach was for each at bat, each pitch, or whatever it is. And they came out and they were aggressive to the commitment of whatever it was they were trying to do in that situation. They did that all weekend long and scored a bunch of runs.”
Coach Angier continued and attributed his team’s long-lasting energy in the dugout to their pure love of the game.
“It’s just because they enjoy [the game] and have fun,” coach Angier said. “And we want them to celebrate each other’s success and be there for each other.” The team’s rejoice was especially fitting, as the Aggies celebrated Coach Angier’s birthday after the win.
The Aggies will now remain at home for a three-game series against Prairie View A&M. The first pitch is set for Friday, March 8 at 6 p.m. followed by a game Saturday at 2 p.m. and capped off with the final matchup on Sunday at 11 a.m. Coverage will be aired on Zia Country 99.5 FM.
