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LOGAN, Utah -

New Mexico 9, Utah State 5

A series of home runs from the opponent proved detrimental to the Aggies, as Utah State dropped a 9-5 game to New Mexico in the second game of the series, Saturday.

Sophomore outfielder Mia Maher had a perfect day at the plate with a pair of bunt singles. Senior second baseman Victoria Saucedo and freshman outfielder Riley Plogger also had a strong showing, as both went 2-for-3. Saucedo had two doubles and three RBIs on the day, while Plogger also had a two-base hit. Senior first baseman Paxton Provost and sophomore catcher Bailey Lewis were tops defensively, with seven putouts apiece. Senior pitcher April Brown made the start for the Aggies, with freshman Kellie White and junior Jordyn McCracken also seeing time in the circle. Together, the three walked six batters, but added another six strikeouts.

"Even though we won yesterday, we didn't play very well most of the game. That's what happened here today. They won it, but we came out flat and didn't make adjustments offensively. We swung at her pitches, but got ourselves out of innings," said Utah State head coach Steve Johnson. "April and Kellie just haven't had great outings lately. We've had some offense to help them out, but we have to cut down on the walks. There's not much we can do with walks and home runs. We just have to elevate our game."

With the loss, Utah State falls to 29-11 overall, and 11-5 in Mountain West play. New Mexico moves to 20-19 on the year, including a 6-8 league record.

The Utah State pitching staff put itself in a hole early on Saturday, as the Lobos drew a walk in the lead-off spot of the first two innings. Luckily, the defense was there to back up the rough start. After walking the first two batters and loading the bases with a single, Brown dealt three-straight strikeouts to escape the inning. The Lobos got two other runners on in the top of the second, but the defense held off. Saucedo hit her first of two doubles for the Aggies in the bottom of the third, but another six batters were otherwise retired.

Scoring got started in the third inning, as the teams combined for five runs. New Mexico led-off with a bunt single, following that with a double to right center. D'Andra DeFlora then hit what would be the first of two home runs to center field, clearing the bases and giving the Lobos a 3-0 lead.

Utah State was able to provide a partial answer in the bottom of the inning. Maher opened with a bunt single, stealing second base. Junior outfielder Jazmin Clarke then added a single of her own, also stealing second base. Saucedo followed with her second double of the day, bringing both Maher and Clarke across the plate.

After an empty fourth inning for both teams, New Mexico extended its lead with four runs in the top of the fifth. With one runner on from a lead-off double, DeFlora blasted her second home run. With two outs, the Aggies walked a batter, which brought the first Utah State pitching change. With one runner on, the Lobos added another home run as the ball hit the left field foul pole.

New Mexico's scoring streak continued in the top of the sixth. After allowing another lead-off walk, a fourth home run put the Lobos ahead, 9-2. Two more Lobos reached base in the inning, through a single and a Utah State error, as both reached scoring position. McCracken then took over pitching duties, picking up a strikeout and a groundout assist to escape further damage.

The Aggies made a bit of a comeback through the bottom of the sixth inning. Senior shortstop Sarina Jaramillo led-off with a double to center field, scoring on the next at-bat, as Plogger doubled through the left side. Lewis and sophomore designated player Bailee Trapp then drew back-to-back walks, while junior Emily Hunter entered to pinch run for Lewis. After two outs, senior Kylie-Rose Dickson entered to pinch hit. A New Mexico error at second base put Dickson on first, where Plogger was able to score. With the bases still loaded, Saucedo drew a walk, walking Hunter in. Provost made contact on the seventh pitch of her at-bat, earning the fielder's choice, but Trapp was out at home on the play, ending the inning.

McCracken continued to see success in the circle, as she helped retire the New Mexico side in the top of the seventh. The Aggies then got two runners on in the bottom of the inning through an error and single, but a pinch hit flyout ended the game.

Along with the win, New Mexico had a 12-9 hit advantage on Utah State, but the Lobos had two errors to the Aggies' one.

The Aggies and Lobos will battle for the series win on Sunday, April 23, at Noon.

Fans can follow the Aggie softball program on Twitter, @USUSoftball, on Facebook at /USUSoftball or on Instagram, @ususoftball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.