LOGAN, Utah – Utah State softball lost in an offensive showdown against New Mexico, 15-13, in the third game of the series at LaRee and LeGrand Johnson Field. The Aggies claimed the series victory with a pair of wins on Saturday and are now 2-1 to open Mountain West play.
 
The Lobos struck first blood in the top of the first with an RBI double before the Aggies set off the offensive showcase in earnest. In the bottom of the first, freshman Jaden Colungar singled to center field to bring home both sophomore Claire Raley and freshman Kya Pratt and give USU their first lead of the contest.
 
In the second inning, Utah State extended their lead with a six-run inning. Senior Tyler Thornton started the outburst with a solo homer to right field. After three Aggie singles, senior Makenzie Macfarlane also singled to right center, scoring both Raley and Pratt. Sophomore Claudia Medina then launched a three-run home run over the left-field fence, bringing home Colunga and Macfarlane to push USU's lead to 8-1.
 
Utah State's lead was short-lived, however, as the Lobos plated eight runs in the third inning off the strength of eight hits, including a grand slam, to retake the lead.
 
The Aggies scored multiple runs in the bottom of the third, their third-straight inning at the plate scoring multiple runs. Pratt, Raley and freshman Grace Matej hit three-consecutive solo shots to help USU again jump out in front. It is USU's second time this season hitting three-straight home runs after hitting four-consecutive homers earlier this season against Montana.
 
Following a Colunga double, Macfarlane singled to bring home Colunga. Later in the inning, Medina singled to score Macfarlane and put Utah State up, 13-9. 
 
New Mexico clawed one run back in the fifth before scoring five in the top of the sixth to take the lead for the final time. USU earned baserunners in both the fifth and sixth innings but were unable to retake the lead as Lobo pitcher Amber Linton earned the victory after re-entering the game in the third inning.
 
The 13 runs are USU's most in a game since scoring 13 runs also against New Mexico in a 13-4 (6) victory last season in Albuquerque. 
 
Up Next
Utah State (10-13, 2-1 MW) ventures back to nonconference play to take on BYU (14-6, 0-0 WCC) on Thursday, March 23, at 5 p.m. in Provo, Utah.
 
For more information on the Utah State softball program, follow the Aggies on Twitter at @USUSoftball, on Facebook at USUSoftball and on Instagram at ususoftball.
 
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