ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico plated nine runs in the first three innings and answered a four-run rally by UTSA in the seventh with four of its own en route to a 13-6 victory on Friday at Isotopes Park.
The Lobos (1-8) pounded out 13 hits, all off senior right-hander Taylor Walton (0-2), who took the loss after allowing 11 runs (10 earned) in six-plus innings of work.
Gera Sanchez (1-2) earned the win after giving up six runs on nine hits in 6.2 frames. He struck out 10.
Mitchell Garver paced the New Mexico offensive attack with a 3-for-5 performance. John Michael Twichell, who hit a three-run homer as part of a five-run first, drove in a game-high four runs and DJ Peterson added a pair of hits and three RBIs.
The Roadrunners (5-6) collected a dozen hits and were led by sophomore Casey Selsor, who was 3-for-4 with a double, triple and three RBIs.
After the Lobos jumped out to a 9-1 lead through three panels, UTSA scored a single run in the sixth to cut the lead to seven. Eight batters then came to the plate in the Birds' four-run seventh, including a two-run single by Selsor with two down.
New Mexico chased Walton from the contest in the seventh after the first two batters reached base.
The series continues with a 1 p.m. (CT) doubleheader on Saturday.
