The New Mexico Lobos have already made a surprising run by sweeping through the Mountain West Conference tournament to make it to the NCAA tournament, but their luck may have just run out. The Lobos took on host Arizona State Friday night and fell 4-2 off of a three-run walk-off home run by designated hitter Joey DeMichele.
New Mexico starting pitcher Rudy Jaramillo had a great performance and went eight innings, allowing two earned runs, four hits and had four strike outs. Jaramillo did not allow his first hit until the sixth inning and did not allow his first run until the bottom of the seventh, but when he allowed the tying run on base in the ninth he was replaced by Gene Sanchez. Sanchez gave up one hit which was the walk-off home run and a walk, but he had a passed ball that allowed to Sun Devil base runners to advance to second and third with only one out.
That is when Joey DeMichele came to the plate and the Lobos decided to pitch to him even though there was no force out available, and after a few pitches DeMichele took Gera Sanchez deep on a three-run home run for the win.
New Mexico had their chances as they left six men on base in tonight's game, but Arizona State starting pitcher Brady Rodgers made it difficult on New Mexico by striking out 11 Lobos.
New Mexico now takes on Arkansas, who was upset by Charlotte, in an elimination game.
Here is Saturday's schedule (times are MT):
Game 3, New Mexico vs. Arkansas, 3 p.m., June 4 TV: Fox Sports Arizona (Online)
Game 4, Arizona State vs. Charlotte, 8 p.m., June 4 TV: Fox Sports Arizona (Online)