Box Score THE BASICS:
Score: NM State 5 – McNeese 6
Records: NM State (2-6) | McNeese (4-4)
Location: Joe Miller Ballpark
Win: Marcus Mott (1-0) | Loss: Saul Soto (1-1)
Lake Charles, La. - The Aggies lost game four of the four game series against McNeese 5-6. The Aggies lost three games by one run in Lake Charles, La. to conclude their first road series.
Action started early for the Aggies as Keith Jones II would hit a solo home run to start the game. In the same inning Damone Hale would hit a single to left center to continue the inning. He would then steal his second bag of the year, advancing to second.
Starting pitcher Cade Swenson made quick work of the Cowboys in the bottom of the first, forcing a ground out to Mitch Namie at first base and striking out a batter. The Cowboys managed to put two runners on, but the first runner was caught stealing by Nick Gore.
The Cowboys managed to take their first lead of the game in the bottom of the third on a three-run home run.
In the Bottom of the fourth with one out remaining Kade Benavidez came into the game in relief of Swenson.
Sheehan O'Connor earned his first hit of the season on a leadoff double, in the top of the fifth. He then advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Romeo Ballesteros. Jones earned his second RBI of the day on a single to right center to score O'Connor.
In the top of the sixth, O'Connor tied the game with a three-run home run. He scored Preston Godfrey who reached on a fielder's choice and Titus Dumitru who reached on a walk.
Saul Soto came into pitch in the bottom of the sixth for Benavidez, making his third appearance on the mound for the Aggies. In 1.1 innings of work Benavidez only allowed two hits and no runs.
Zack Zwaschka came into pitch in the sixth for Soto with one out remaining in the inning and quickly got the out via a fly out to right field.
In the eighth, Steve Solorzano came into pitch from previously being at third. This move would put Gianni Horvat at second base and move O'Connor to third base. Solorzano would only give up one hit in the inning and hold the Cowboys to six runs.
O'Connor would lead off the top of the ninth for the Aggies with a single. Unfortunately, the Aggies were unable to bring him home to tie the game.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Sheehan O'Connor went 3-4 in his first start for the Aggies.
- Keith Jones drove in two runs on two hits.
- Both Zack Zwaschka and Steve Solorzano only allowed two hits in their combined 2.1 innings pitched.
UP NEXT:
NM State faces off against Northern Colorado back at the 'Skew for a four-game series. The first game will be played on Friday, Mar. 1. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT. For complete coverage of NM State Baseball, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateBaseball), Instagram (@NMStateBaseball) and like us on Facebook (NMState Baseball)
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