LAS CRUCES, N.M. – NM State plated runs in multiple innings Friday night at Nick Denes Field, but a decisive multi‑run fourth inning by WKU proved the difference as the Aggies dropped the series opener in Conference USA play. With the loss, the Aggies fell to 14-18 overall and 6-7 in league action.

After a scoreless first, WKU opened the scoring in the second with a solo home run from Kyle Hayes. NM State answered in the third, manufacturing a run after Brandon Clizbe was hit by a pitch, advanced to third on a wild pitch and stolen base, and scored on Steve Solorzano's RBI groundout to tie the game.

The Hilltoppers regained the lead in the bottom of the third on a solo homer from Parker Coley, then broke the game open in the fourth. WKU used a combination of singles, walks, hit batters, and a throwing error to push across multiple runs and seize control.

NM State chipped away in the fifth inning when Camden Kaufman doubled to drive in Clizbe and Solorzano followed with an RBI single, pulling the Aggies closer. However, WKU responded again in the eighth, plating two more runs to restore breathing room.

The Aggies threatened later but could not generate a sustained rally against WKU's bullpen. NM State finished with key contributions from Kaufman, who recorded an extra‑base hit and RBI, and Solorzano, who drove in two of the Aggies' runs. Clizbe reached base multiple times and was aggressive on the bases.

NM State looks to bounce back as the Conference USA series with WKU continues tomorrow at 3 p.m. MDT.

NOTABLES

• Hazen Wright submitted a new career high in innings pitched (3.0) and strikeouts (5).
• Steve Solorzano extended his hit streak to 15 games, matching the longest streak of any Aggie over the last two seasons. He also extended his reached base streak to 19 games.
• Solorzano also tallied his 12th multi-RBI game of the year to pace all Aggies this year.
• The loss ended the Aggies' three-game win streak against CUSA opponents and moved the team to 1-12 in road contests.
• NM State has now tallied at least one extra-base hit in 29 consecutive games.

 
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