New Mexico returns to league play following a high-scoring affair in Lubbock, Texas.
Texas Tech jumped all over UNM starter James Harrington, who only lasted 2.1 innings in a 14-10 loss on the road. Harrington threw 61 pitches, allowing eight runs, five of which were earned.
In the high-scoring affair, Carl Stajduhar, the Mountain West Player of the Week, continued swinging a red-hot bat against the Red Raiders. Stajduhar went yard twice against Texas Tech, collecting five RBIs in the process.
However, Stajduhar’s multi-homer game was not enough for UNM (13-7, 5-1 MW). Despite the offense leading off the fifth inning with four runs that allowed New Mexico to take the lead, the Lobo middle relief allowed six in the bottom half, allowing Texas Tech to regain the upper hand.
Head coach Ray Birmingham has been adamant all season about playing top tiered opponents in order to prepare his club for the postseason. The mid-week game against No. 23 Texas Tech (13-7) is not the last time the teams will face off, as the Red Raiders will journey to Santa Ana Star Field on April 19th and 20th.
The Lobos will quickly have to put Tuesday’s loss behind them as the squad will remain on the road to face off against San Diego State (4-14, 1-3 MW). The Aztecs offense is led by Alan Trejo, who is hitting .385 on the year.
SDSU is averaging 8.5 runs per contest in MW play, but the pitching has not been able to back the potent Aztec offense.
The two teams faced off in two three-game stands last year, each coming out victorious with 2-1 records at home.
Friday’s opening pitch is scheduled at 7 p.m. in a three game stand that will last through Saturday.
Liam Cary-Eaves is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers volleyball, women’s basketball and baseball. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Liam_CE.
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