LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico State baseball team dropped the first game of a three-game series to Georgia State, 13-2, at Presley Askew Field, Friday, March 12.
NM State falls to 10-8 on the season after the loss, while GSU improves to 7-6. Aggies' starting pitcher Brendel Thomas struggled through 4 2/3 innings, giving up seven earned runs on eight hits.
The Panthers wasted no time getting on the board, scoring two runs on two hits in the first, and one run on two hits in the second, taking a 3-0 lead.
The Aggies managed only two hits over the first four innings of play, singles by shortstop Ryan Aguayo and first baseman Ben Harty, in the bottom of the first inning. NM State would go down in order in the second, third and fourth innings.
After two more runs in the fourth, GSU catcher Carter Sackett hit a two-run shot to center field with two outs in the fifth inning, extending the lead to 7-0. The Panthers would add one more run in the inning to take an 8-0 lead.
Panthers' starter David Buchanan, who silenced the Aggie bats for most of his outing, momentarily lost command in the bottom of the fifth inning, loading the bases with two outs. He managed to get out of the jam by striking out Aguayo.
Buchanan threw six solid innings, striking out eight and walking three on three hits, while earning the victory. He is now 2-1 with a 2.51 ERA on the season.
The Aggies finally got on the board in the bottom of the seventh, after Aguayo cracked a single up the middle with the bases loaded, bringing in two runs and making the score 9-2 Panthers. Designated hitter Chris Auten grounded out to first with the sacks jammed to end the threat.
The Panthers out hit the Aggies 15-to-5 and scored at least one run in all but three innings. This was the lowest hit total for NM State on the season.
The Aggies will be back on the diamond Saturday, March 13, as the series continues against Georgia State. First pitch is slated for 3:05 p.m. (MT).
Courtesy: J and L Photo
