The New Mexico State Aggies (19-27, 8-16 CUSA) hosted the Liberty Flames (35-13, 18-6 CUSA) for a late season conference matchup starting on May 1. The Aggies were hoping to carry momentum from a mid-week win over rival University of New Mexico and take down a conference rival, but their efforts were squashed by Liberty’s productive offense and efficient defense. Saturday featured the closest contest, where the flames walked away with a 7-9 win.
Saturday’s game saw lots of action, with scoring in every inning except for the eighth. The action started for Liberty with an RBI from Jaxon Sorenson who brought in Riley DeCandido early in the first inning. The Aggies responded with a single from Camden Kaufman that brought in Boston Vest for the score. Both teams would continue to trade scores for the whole game.
The Aggies totaled 16 hits on the night, which despite the ending score, topped the Flame’s nine hits. Bryce Cambell and Steve Solorzano both had three hits to lead the way for the Aggies, and Riley DeCandido, Jaxon Sorenson, and Nick Barone all had two hits which exceeded the number of hits from Liberty.
On the mound, Tyler August recorded the win (W) after recording 2.2 IP, allowing 2 hits and no runs. For the Aggies Julio Ramos recorded the loss (L), but Jack Turner saw the most action with 6.0 IP, allowing 4 hits, 3 runs, and a 2 ERA.
The Aggies travel to Tucson to take on the Arizona Wildcats (16-30, 7-17 Big 12) before their second to last conference series against the Missouri State Bears (27-17, 15-9 CUSA) starting on May 8. The Aggies only hope for making the post season is an incredible hot streak and winning the conference tournament.
The Flames have been behind the Jax State Gamecocks (38-10, 18-6 CUSA) almost all season despite winning the series against them earlier this month. The Flames do however have an opportunity to take the top spot in CUSA rankings if they continue the momentum they’ve had. They travel to face a formidable Virginia Tech team (25-21, 13-14 CUSA) before facing off against Louisiana Tech (28-21, 15-9 CUSA) on May 8.
