LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The Battle of I-25 returns to Las Cruces, New Mexico, as New Mexico State softball hosts New Mexico on Wednesday, March 15.
"Rivalry games always test your mettle and this one will be no different," head coach Kathy Rodolph said. "I think our young guns are excited to be back home and I look forward to the good matchup."
NM State returns home after posting a 4-1 record in Las Vegas at the UNLV Rebel Classic. Two of the Aggies victories came in extra innings against SIU. In the first meeting, Merina Ili hit a walk-off single in the ninth inning. New Mexico State put up three runs in the ninth inning in the second game between the teams.
GET CONNECTED
To stay connected with the softball team and catch all of the up-to-date information and breaking news, follow the Aggies on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, @NMStateSoftball
WHERE TO WATCH
Wednesday's game against New Mexico can be viewed live on FOX Sports Arizona PLUS, FOX College Sports Pacific, and FOX Sports Oklahoma. FOX Sports Arizona will replay the game on Thursday, March 16, at 3:30 a.m.
STEAL CITY
With four stolen bases at the UNLV Rebel Classic, Rachel Rodriguez became fourth all-time at NM State for career stolen bases. The junior has 11 this season and 58 for her career. She also ranks 35th in the NCAA for active career stolen bases.
DOUBLE DOWN
NM State turned three double plays on the final day of the Rebel Classic. The Aggies had two in their game against UNLV and one against SIU. In the game against the Salukis, SIU lined out to Destiny Blueford in left field. The freshmen doubled up the runner on second to end the game in the ninth inning.
MEAN GREEN
Kayla Green pitched her second complete game of the season in the 4-1 victory over DePaul. The sophomore allowed only one hit in the game. Green went 2-0 in Las Vegas and recorded her first save of the season in the Aggies 8-7 victory over Portland State.
KNOW YOUR FOE: NEW MEXICO
UNM enters the game on a four game winning streak as the Lobos went undefeated at the Lobo Classic. New Mexico outscored its opponents 36-18 including a 13-12 win against Stony Brook after trailing by 11.
The Lobos lead the Aggies in the all-time series, 82-60. In the last meeting, seven innings as not enough for either team, but the Aggies pulled away in the eighth for the 3-2 victory. Victoria Castro hit a double in the eighth to score the game-winning run for New Mexico State.
COMING UP
Following the midweek tilt with the Lobos, NM State travels to Nebraska to take on the Huskers in a doubleheader on Saturday, March 18. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. (MT).
