MESA, Ariz. – New Mexico State (33-22) defeated CSU Bakersfield (19-37) to survive in the Western Athletic Conference Tourney.
 
The Aggies roared out of the gate with four-straight hits to start the game from Daniel Johnson, Greg Popylisen, Austin Botello and Dan Hetzel leading to two runs early. L.J. Hatch hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Botello. Trey Stine singled through the left side of the infield, scoring Hetzel and putting NM State up 4-0 after the first inning.
 
NM State continued the offensive output in the second inning as Joe Koerper reached first base on an E2 after a dropped third strike. Brent Sakurai laid down a sacrifice bunt moving Koerper to second. A double down the left field line by Greg Popylisen scored Koerper. Austin Botello singled through the right side of the infield, scoring Popylisen and putting the Aggies up 6-0.
 
The 'Runners came alive in the bottom of the third as they drew a leadoff walk, and advanced to second on a balk and advanced to third on a wild pitch. A RBI triple to right scored the first run of the game for Bakersfield. That was followed up with a RBI single up the middle. After loading the bases, the third run of the inning scored on a wild pitch. The fourth run later scored on another wild pitch, pulling the 'Runners within two at 6-4 after three innings.
 
The Aggies added some much needed insurance runs in the fourth, as Brent Sakurai led off with a double down the left field line. Daniel Johnson singled to left, scoring Sakurai. Johnson advanced to second on wild pitch during the next at-bat and later scored on an RBI single up the middle by Dan Hetzel.
 
CSUB got a run back in the bottom of the fifth with a leadoff single to center. The run scored on a 6-3 double play, putting the score at 8-5 after five innings.
 
The Aggies added two more runs in the seventh, as L.J. Hatch singled to center. After fouling the first pitch off, freshman Jason Bush launched a ball into the bullpens in right field for a two-run blast, the first home run of his career.
 
NM State got a final run in the ninth, as Austin Botello drew a four-pitch walk to lead off the inning and advanced to second on a wild pitch during the next at-bat. Dan Hetzel flied out to right, moving Botello to third. L.J. Hatch laced a double down the right field line, scoring Botello and putting the Aggies up 11-5.
 
The 'Runners would not go quietly in the bottom half, as a walk and a hit-by-pitch put runners on first and second with one out. A single to right loaded the bases. A 3-1 walk brought a run in from third. Joe Galindo came in to pitch with the bases loaded and two outs and sealed the 11-6 win with a one-pitch fly out to right, earning his eighth save of the season.
 
The Aggies advanced to play in Game 7 of the WAC Tournament against Sacramento State immediately following the game against CSU Bakersfield.