ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico scored all eight of its runs in innings three through five and held UTSA scoreless until the eighth in an 8-3 victory on Sunday at Isotopes Park.
The Lobos improved to 3-9 with the series victory, while the Roadrunners saw their season ledger drop to 6-8.
New Mexico jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the third.
Quay Grant led off the inning with a double and later scored on an run-scoring single by Kyle Stiner. Mitchell Garver then drove in Stiner and Ben Woodchick, who walked, with a single to left.
The Lobos added three more in the fourth, two of which came home on a misplayed fly ball to left by freshman Riley Good.
UTSA southpaw starter Michael Kraft gave up back-to-back hits to start the fifth before being lifted for freshman right-hander Matt Sims. The Lobos plated two runs in the frame to take a insurmountable 8-0 lead.
The Roadrunners finally got on the board with a three-run eighth.
Sophomore Jake Wood singled home senior Tommy Vukovich and, two batters later, junior Matthew James plated redshirt freshman Ransom LaLonde with a base hit through the left side of the infield. UTSA added its final mark when junior Andrew Keplinger drew a bases-loaded walk.
Bobby Mares (1-2) picked up the win after scattering six hits and striking out a half dozen over seven scoreless innings.
Kraft (1-1) took the loss after giving up all eight runs (five earned) on eight hits in his four-plus panels of work.
Grant led all players with three hits, while Garver was 2-for-4 with three RBIs.
Senior Tyler Carpenter and James each notched a pair of hits to lead the Birds at the plate.
UTSA will return to the diamond on Tuesday night at No. 6 Texas (7-4). First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
