LAS VEGAS, N.M. --- The New Mexico Highlands baseball team split a mid-week doubleheader with University of the Southwest (N.M.) on Tuesday, winning the first game 6-3 and dropping the second 5-2 at Brandt Baseball Field.
In the first game, the Cowboys (15-27) used a five-run first inning that included
Jared Brown's 15th homer of the season (a two-run shot), an RBI single from
Kalen Hammer, a
Reece Dunn RBI single and an
Estevan De La O bases-loaded walk to build an advantage it wouldn't relinquish.
NMHU added a run in the fifth on a De La O RBI single to make the final score 6-3 against the Mustangs (27-14).
Jose Ayala was the only Cowboy with multiple hits, going 2-for-3 with a double.
Eston Storm got the win in relief for NMHU, going three innings and giving up a run on three hits with a strikeout and a walk.
Will Copes got the save, giving up two hits and no runs in an inning of work.
In the second game, it was USW jumping out to a 2-0 lead after one before NMHU cut the lead to one with an RBI groundout from Lubby Marujo. USW added a run in the fifth to make it 3-1 before Ayala hit an RBI double to again make it a one-run game in the fifth. USW gave itself some insurance in teh sixth with a pair of runs and NMHU wouldn't score again.
The Cowboys finished with six hits in the game - but nobody finished with multiple hits and Ayala's double was the only extra-base hit.
Robbie Alarcon pitched well for the Cowboys, but picked up the loss - going five innings and giving up three runs on five hits with a strikeout and no walks.Â
NMHU returns to RMAC action at home 2 p.m. Friday when the Cowboys open a four-game series against nationally ranked Colorado Mesa.
