TUCSON, Ariz. – New Mexico State completed a two-game sweep of fifth-ranked Arizona, defeating the Wildcats 13-8 on Wednesday with a barrage of 16 hits and nine walks issued by Arizona pitchers.
New Mexico State (17-8) led 7-1 after three innings, but Arizona (16-6) rallied with five runs in the fifth before the Aggies pulled away with four runs in the sixth.
The Arizona pitching staff issued a season-high nine walks and hit three batters. Starter Lucas Long (2-2) lasted just 1.2 innings and gave up five runs. Relievers Nick Cunningham, Vincent Littleman and Konner Wade combined to give up seven runs on seven hits and seven walks in 3.2 innings of work.
Freshman left-hander Tyler Crawford finally found the strike zone and quieted the Aggies’ bats with a strong 3.2 innings in which he gave up one run on four hits.
Arizona rallied briefly in the fifth, scoring two on a bases-loaded single by Seth Mejias-Brean and three on a double by pinch hitter Bobby Brown.
But the Aggies took advantage of Wade's wildness in the sixth to get four runs back, thanks to three walks and two hit batters.
All nine NMSU starters collected one hit. Catcher Zac Fisher paced the offense with four hits and four RBI.
Arizona now travels to Corvallis, Ore., for a three-game Pac-12 series against No. 19 Oregon State (14-5, 3-0) starting Friday.
