Tough decisions cost UNM in loss to Fresno State

One might say the Fresno State Bulldogs won Thursday’s baseball series opener by decision.

A few key decisions, in fact, which backfired on host New Mexico at Santa Ana Star Field and the Bulldogs held on for a 7-5 victory. The loss coupled with Nevada’s 3-2 win over San Jose State on Thursday means UNM (29-21, 16-12 Mountain West) must win the final two games of the series Friday and Saturday to secure a first-round bye in next week’s MWC tournament.

Thursday’s outcome was a tough one for the home team. The Lobos had two runners thrown out at home plate in the hard-fought contest, and opted to stick with starting pitcher Daxton Purser a bit too long as Fresno State (27-26, 17-11) took the lead with four sixth-inning runs.

UNM coach Tod Brown, who serves as third-base coach for the Lobos, was quick to take responsibility.

“We pitched well enough to win but couldn’t get anything going offensively,” Brown said. “I made a mistake and forced the action in the eighth inning and got Akili (Carris) thrown out. I was trying to make something happen to get us going and it was a mistake.”

UNM appeared to be in good position after five innings, leading 5-2 thanks to a pair of big swings by Ethan Ott. The Lobo first basemen smacked a solo home run in the fourth inning, then hammered a three-run shot to center field to cap a four-run rally in the fifth. The homers were Ott’s 13th and 14th of the season.

Purser, who largely shut down the Bulldogs through five innings, appeared to lose his command in the sixth. FSU made it 5-3 with three consecutive one-out singles, then added a run on back-to-back two-out walks by Purser. Shortstop Lee Trevino followed with a two-run single to give Fresno State the lead and end Purser’s night after 101 pitches — 38 of them coming in the sixth inning.

“We wanted to get Dax through six,” Brown said, “and stuck with him a little too long.”

Trailing 6-5, UNM had its best chance to get even with Carris walked ahead of a double by Josh McAlister in the eighth. But Fresno State handled the relay home flawlessly, and threw out Carris easily at the plate.

The Bulldogs added an insurance run in the top of the ninth, but UNM again had a chance to answer. A leadoff walk and a Khalil Walker single put the tying runs aboard, but Tye Wood and Will Asby struck out, and Jordy Oriach flew out to end the game.

Murf Gray went 3-for-5 to pace the Bulldogs. Game two of the series is Friday at 2 p.m.