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Comeback victories are starting to become the norm for the New Mexico baseball team.
No. 24 UNM rallied for its tenth straight victory with a 14-13 extra-innings decision over UNLV on Sunday at Lobo Field. The Lobos lead the Mountain West Conference by five games over San Diego State.
“We shouldn’t have won this game,” head coach Ray Birmingham said. “We’ve done this all year long and they (UNLV) know it, everybody knows it.”
The Lobos headed into the bottom of the ninth down 13-7 after the Rebels scored three runs in the top of the inning. UNM center fielder Josh Melendez started the inning off with a walk, left fielder Luke Campbell followed up with a single, then third baseman Alex Allbritton popped out to second base.
Outfielder John Pustay, pinch-hitting for third baseman Jered Meek, ignited the rally with a two-run double to center field.
After pinch hitter Ryan Padilla grounded out, second baseman Sam Haggerty walked and first baseman DJ Peterson was hit by a pitch, catcher Mitch Garver came up to bat. He managed a two-run single to cut the Rebels lead to two.
“I’ve been kind of used to the pinch hitting role the last couple of weeks,” Pustay said. “I’ve become way more comfortable with it and look for something that I could drive.”
Designated hitter Alex Real came up with two on and two out and lined a two-run double right off the top of the right field wall to tie the game at 13, sending the game into extra innings. The ball stopped right at the top of the fence and bounced back into play.
The Rebels were unable to answer in the top of the tenth. After Allbritton flied out to begin the bottom of the tenth Pustay came up to bat once again. He hit a triple to right center to give the Lobos a runner in scoring position. UNLV decided to intentionally walk Padilla; Haggerty then hit a walk-off sacrifice fly to right field to give UNM a 14-13 victory.
Birmingham said Pustay has thrived as a pinch hitter.
“Pustay has worked really hard,” Birmingham said. “When he came back from his leg injury he lost his swing. His pinch hit time was giving him confidence; and not only was it giving him confidence, it helped us win a ball game.”
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The Lobos’ bullpen struggled, allowing 13 runs, all earned, on 14 hits with eight walks in 5 2/3 innings. UNM (27-16, 17-4 MWC) used six relief pitchers and Josh Walker earned his sixth victory of the season.
“They stunk … I don’t know why they get so emotional about the thing,” Birmingham said. “Strike at the knees is all I ask for. It’s got to be an emotional deal and there’s no pressure on them.”
UNLV starter Kenny Oakley left after one inning of work, surrendering three runs on five hits with one strikeout. In the second inning, Oakley fell right to his back after giving up a leadoff single to Jared Holley. Oakley left with an apparent leg injury.
The Rebels (27-16, 11-10) bullpen also had a difficult time by giving up 11 runs, all earned, walking six with five strikeouts.
UNM shortstop Jared Holley was hit in the back of the head by a pop fly in the top of the third after he lost the ball in the sun.
He laid on the ground and was helped off the field.
Holley tweeted that he went to the emergency room, but Birmingham said Holley is going to be fine.
