Las Vegas, New Mexico - New Mexico Highlands (10-32 overall; 5-19 RMAC) closed out a big weekend in emphatic fashion Sunday afternoon, rolling to a 21-8 win over Adams State (10-32 overall; 5-19 RMAC) at Brandt Field to complete a four-game Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference sweep.
The sweep marks New Mexico Highlands' first four-game conference series sweep since May, 2021 - also against Adams State in Las Vegas.
The Cowboys wasted no time setting the tone offensively.
Johnathan Davis launched a three-run home run in the first inning, part of a monster day at the plate in which he finished 3-for-5 with six RBIs and three runs scored. Davis added two doubles as part of his extra-base hit barrage.
New Mexico Highlands broke the game open in the second inning, plating six runs on key hits from
Adrian Castenada, Davis, and
Taiga Sato, who delivered a three-run double to push the lead to 9-1.
The offensive onslaught continued in the third, as
Alex Galvan highlighted a four-run inning with a two-run single. Galvan was a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBIs, three runs scored, and a walk, reaching base in all five plate appearances.
New Mexico Highlands piled up 18 hits on the day, with multiple players turning in standout performances:
- Lubby Marrujo: 3-for-4, four runs scored, two RBIs, double
- Nico Hilger: 2-for-4, three runs scored, two RBIs, double
- Sato: 2-for-3, three RBIs, two walks, double
- Isaac McNair - Seigler: 2-for-5, RBI
- Ryan Rodriguez: reached base twice, scored two runs
Marrujo capped an outstanding weekend at the plate against the Grizzlies, hitting .692 (9-for-13) with seven runs scored and seven RBI while posting a .733 on-base percentage in the four-game series.
The Cowboys put the game out of reach with a six-run sixth inning, highlighted by RBI hits from
Seth Galfano, McNair-Seigler, Marrujo, and Hilger.
On the mound,
Jimi Welsher got the start and the win on Sunday.
Cadin Gates followed with 2.1 innings of relief, and
Damon McRee closed the door with 1.2 scoreless innings.
With the win, New Mexico Highlands finds itself in the middle of a tightly contested race for the final RMAC playoff spot. The Cowboys are part of a four-way tie with Colorado Christian, Regis, and Adams State, setting up a pivotal final stretch.
New Mexico Highlands returns to action next weekend, hosting Regis in a crucial RMAC series. First pitch is scheduled for Friday at 3:00 pm in historic Las Vegas.
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