LAS VEGAS – New Mexico State softball won its third-straight game Friday night as the Aggies defeated Portland State 8-7.
How it happened
Samaria Diaz started in the circle for New Mexico State. The freshman was in trouble early as the Vikings jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first.
The lead wouldn't last long as the Aggies scored four runs in the bottom of the second. With the bases loaded, Kelsey Horton singled to right field to score two runs for NM State. Merina Ili followed the sophomore with a single of her own. Rachel Rodriguez and Horton scored, giving NM State the 4-3 advantage.
The Vikings clawed their way back as Portland State put up a run in the third to tie the game. NM State scored a run of its own in the inning. With runners on first and second. Jeanelle Medina hit a single to left field to drive in a run.
NM State had their lead challenged once more as Portland State scored three in the top of the fifth to give the Vikings the 7-5 lead. Once again, the Aggies matched Portland State's three runs with three of their own.
In the bottom of the fifth, Caity Szczesny hit a triple down the right field line to lead off the inning. Victoria Castro hit a sacrifice fly to score the freshman and pull New Mexico State within one.
With runners on first and second, Horton once more drove in two runs as she hit a booming double to center field. The runs would be the last scored for either team as the Aggies earned the 8-7 win, their second victory of the day.
NM State moves to 7-10 this season. Diaz earned the win as the freshman pitched three innings and struck out three. Kayla Green earned her first save of the year as she pitched two innings and struck out one batter
New Mexico State closes out the UNLV Rebel Classic on Saturday as the Aggies face both SIUÂ and UNLV. NM State takes on the Salukis first at 10 a.m. (MT) with the Rebels to follow.
