LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Alex Newman allowed just one hit and Staci Rodriguez hit two home runs and collected five RBIs to lead New Mexico State to an 8-0 run-rule victory in five innings against UTSA on Friday night.
Jolene Graham recorded the only hit for the Roadrunners (20-17, 5-5 WAC) with a single to left field in the second.
Meanwhile, Haylee Staton (9-7) took the loss after allowing six runs and seven hits in 3.2 innings.
Amber Olive also homered for the Aggies (28-14, 9-1 WAC), who extended their Western Athletic Conference (WAC) winning streak to nine games. Newman, the reigning WAC Pitcher of the Week, notched just one strikeout and improved to 16-8 with the victory.
Kelsey Dodd got New Mexico State started in the opening frame with a two-out double to right center. Staton followed with three of her six walks to force in a run and the inning ended when left fielder Siera Sproul tracked down a fly ball off the bat of Ayssa Vargas near the fence.
After retiring the Aggies in order in the second, the New Mexico State lead grew to 3-0 on a two-run homer from Rodriguez. The blast to left center also came with two outs.
Olive opened the fourth with a solo shot to right center and Staton issued a walk and single before exiting in favor of Graham.
Rodriguez took Graham’s 0-1 pitch over the fence in left for an 8-0 cushion and Newman retired the Birds in order an inning later for the run-rule triumph.
The series concludes on Saturday with a 5 p.m. (CT) doubleheader.