EL PASO, Texas – The Aggies five game win streak against the UTEP came to an end on Tuesday night after the Miners rallied for seven runs on seven hits, while stranding 10 Aggie runners on the base paths.
NM State had plenty of opportunities to take the lead over UTEP, but couldn't find any answers against Miner pitching, especially with runners on. Meanwhile, UTEP took every opportunity to drive in runs, leaving only two runners stranded on the bases, and scored every time they recorded a hit in an inning.
This marks just the third NM State loss to UTEP over their last 15 meetings, bringing the all-time series to 37-9.
The Aggies have now lost two straight games, barring an even 17-17 overall record, 4-8 on the road.
FINAL | NM State 4, UTEP 7
Second Inning
After a first inning that saw no scoring by either side, the Aggies were able to add a pair to the board using a couple of RBI singles from the top of the Aggie order. It started with a leadoff double by former Miner, Kaylin Jackson to put a runner into scoring position. Later in the inning, the Aggies nine hole hitter Jayleen Burton reached base via walk, putting two Aggies on with two outs. This brought the Aggies back to the top of the order where Jillian Taylor and Kayla Bowen knocked in the pair of runners with a couple of RBI singles to put the Aggies up 2-0.
Third Inning
Leading off the third inning for the Aggies was freshman standout, Kendal Lunar. Lunar drilled a 2-0 pitch deep over the centerfield fence for a home run – her fifth of the season – giving the Aggies a 3-0 lead early.
The Miners were able to get that run back in the bottom half of the inning, using a solo home run of their own, shortening the Aggie deficit back to two. '
Fourth Inning
The Aggies couldn't plate any runs in the fourth inning, sending the Miners back to the plate in the bottom half of the inning. A walk and a single to lead off the inning brought Kathy Rodolph out of the dugout and into the circle to make a change. Replacing Aydenne Brown was Emily Dix, who was looking to help her starter out of a tough spot. However, the Miners bats continued to put the bat to the ball as they plate three runs on four hits and an error, leaving two runners on base.
Sixth Inning
Jillian Taylor once again reached base to lead off the inning for the Aggies in the sixth. Kayla Bowen would advance Taylor into scoring position with a ground out to the first base side, bringing Riley Carley back to the plate with two outs. Carley roped a ball into the left center field gap for a double, scoring Taylor from second in the process, and tying the game at four apiece.
However, a big three run inning by the Miners in the bottom half gave UTEP a three-run cushion after a pair of home runs – one off Emily Dix, and one off Felicia De La Torre – put the Aggies in a 7-4 hole.
Numbers to Note
10 – The Aggies left ten runners on base compared to the Miners' two.
7 – Kayla Bowen extended her six-game hitting streak to seven games with an RBI single in the second inning.
5 – NM States five game winning streak over the UTEP came to an end tonight.
2 – This marks just the second loss this season where the Aggies have produced 10 or more hit and didn't come out with a win.
