Aikman Fang (@AikmanFang) – Spear Beat Reporter
Photo via Levern Johnson
SJSU softball (15-16, 3-2 MW) fell to New Mexico (14-18, 2-3 MW) in an 8-0 six innings loss at the Lobo Softball Field on Saturday afternoon.
Senior third baseman Alyssa Graham hit a single to start the first inning and later stole second. Then junior outfielder Adrianna Noriega reached first after a fielding error, while Graham took third. Adrianna Noriega would steal second but it would be in vain as the Spartans failed to capitalize with two runners in scoring position.
The Lobos, however, scored four runs on three hits in the bottom of the first inning.
After a scoreless second and third inning, New Mexico extended their lead to 5-0 in the bottom of the fourth after a leadoff triple from junior shortstop Rachel Hathoot, which was followed up by a single from freshman left fielder Keyannah Chavez.
It appeared SJSU was on the brink of a comeback at the top of the fifth inning with senior second baseman Jessica Giacoma hitting a double toward left field and Graham getting hit by a pitch. Then freshmen infielder Ahmiya Noriega struck out following a nine-pitch at-bat. Junior outfielder Ashley Rico then hit a pop out before Adrianna Noriega hit a grounder toward New Mexico’s third baseman Emma Bramson to retire the side.
Lobos junior pitcher Amber Linton made quick work of the Spartans in the top of the sixth inning, with a strikeout to start the inning that followed up with a double play that guaranteed the shutout.
New Mexico went on to score three more runs on four hits in the bottom of the sixth inning to enforce the run-rule as it finished SJSU 8-0.
“They just capitalized with their baserunners in scoring position and put up a lot of runs against us today,” said head coach Tammy Lohmann.
SJSU softball looks to bounce back when it plays its final game of the three-game series at New Mexico on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.