LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico State softball team opened a three-game series against CSU Bakersfield at the NM State Softball Complex on Friday. Home runs by Kelsey Horton and Nikki Butler helped the Aggies take down the 'Runners 4-2 in the series opener.

"I liked what we did defensively," head coach Kathy Rodolph said. "I felt like we did a good job at getting runners on base. We made a strong push at the beginning to get the lead and then started pressing a bit down the stretch. If we continue to do what we do offensively and take what the game gives us, good things are going to happen."

NM State (19-15, 4-0 WAC) got off to a slow start when sophomore pitcher Samaria Diaz gave up a single and a walk to start the contest. After a sacrifice bunt allowed the CSUB (5-26, 2-2 WAC) runners to advance into scoring position, a single and a double by the 'Runners put New Mexico State behind 2-0 before the team's first at-bat.

CSU Bakersfield's advantage did not last long as the Aggies fought back in the bottom of the frame, beginning with a leadoff single by Amy Bergeson. Horton followed the senior with a home run over the right field fence, tying the game 2-2.

After a scoreless inning for both squads, NM State began a rally in the bottom of the third when Horton drew a one-out walk. After New Mexico State went down looking for the second out of the at-bat, Butler came through with a homer of her own, breaking the stalemate and giving the Aggies the 4-2 advantage.

In the top of the fourth, Diaz struggled again when she allowed a 'Runner to advance into scoring position with just a single out recorded. Rodolph made a change in the circle and brought in Kayla Green to relieve the sophomore. After giving up a walk to her first batter faced, the junior found her rhythm and held CSU Bakersfield scoreless in the inning.

Green continued to dominate in the circle in the next innings as she pitched scoreless frame after scoreless frame to help the team maintain its two-run advantage. With the 'Runners down to their final outs, the junior pitcher struck out the final three batters to secure NM State's 4-2 victory.

Green moves to 11-7 with the victory as the junior pitched 3.2 innings while allowing just three hits and striking out five CSUB batters. Diaz went 3.1 innings and allowed two runs on five hits while posting three strikeouts.

The Aggies take on CSU Bakersfield in a doubleheader on Saturday with first pitch from the NM State Softball Complex scheduled for 4 p.m. MT.