Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
New Mexico
Bulldogs Lose to New Mexico in Series Opener
3/30/2012 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 30, 2012
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State baseball team took a 9-3 loss to New Mexico in the series opener, Friday night at Beiden Field. New Mexico improved to 11-13 on the year while Fresno State fell to 13-12.
The Bulldogs held an 8-3 all-time advantage over the Lobos entering the weekend four-game set. New Mexico, however, used a seven-run burst in the top of the seventh to get its first win on Fresno State's home turf.
"We haven't played very well, even though we've won 6-of-the-last-9. We have to play smarter," Head Coach Mike Batesole said. "Some of the mistakes we made on defense were fundamental and things we practice. We know we're supposed to do them and we don't do them."
Sophomore lefthander Tyler Linehan scattered six hits and walked two in six innings of work. He allowed two runs--one earned--and struck out five while earning a no-decision.
Fresno State took an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second. Senior designated hitter Kenneth Wise singled through the right side to lead off the frame. Junior catcher Austin Wynns promptly doubled down the leftfield line as Wise raced home to plate the first run of the game. Two batters later, freshman outfielder Jordan Brink laced a double to left-center to drive in Wynns.
The Lobos responded in the top of the third. Infielder DJ Peterson doubled to left, driving home infielder Trey Porras. A Bulldog error allowed another to cross the plate and the game was knotted at two.
Wynns' two-out single to left drove home infielder Trent Garrison, who had doubled, to break the tie and give FS a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fifth.
But Peterson's two-run homer in the seventh gave New Mexico a 4-3 lead, which in never relinquished.
"We've got to be stronger on the mound no matter what. If you make a mistake behind you when you're on the mound, no matter what you have to keep pounding the zone in a good location," Batesole said.
Fresno State and New Mexico will return to the diamond on Saturday, March 31, at 2 p.m. for a double-header. First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m. at Beiden Field.
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