LAS CRUCES, N.M. – UTEP softball dropped game one of its three-game Battle of I-10 series at NM State, 8-3, Friday night at the NM State Softball Complex.
The Miners move to 11-25 overall and 3-13 in Conference USA play, while the Aggies improve to 19-20 overall and 9-7 in league action.
NM State struck first in the opening frame with an RBI double to take a 1-0 lead. UTEP responded in the second inning, capitalizing on a throwing error by the Aggie catcher to bring home Marissa Burchard and Kenna Carranza and take a 2-1 advantage.
The Aggies answered in the bottom half of the second with a three-run home run to regain the lead, 4-2. NM State continued to build momentum with three runs in the third inning and added another in the fourth to extend its lead to 8-2.
UTEP showed late life in the seventh inning when Halle Hogan launched a solo home run, but the comeback effort fell short as NM State secured the 8-3 victory.
UTEP was outhit 9-4 by NM State. Kendall Angulo, Kenna Carranza, Halle Hogan and Bri Garcia each recorded a hit for the Miners. Carranza and Marissa Burchard both scored a run, while Hogan drove in UTEP's lone RBI on her home run in the seventh. Garcia reached base twice, adding a hit-by-pitch to her single.
Tatyana Vega got the start in the circle and was charged with the loss, moving to 8-11 on the season. Kendall Angulo followed in relief, pitching 1.1 innings with one strikeout. Arianna Flores provided a strong outing out of the bullpen, allowing just one hit and no runs over 2.2 innings with one strikeout and one walk. Hannah Jones closed the game with a scoreless inning.
ON DECK
The three-game series continues Saturday, April 11, with first pitch set for 6 p.m. MDT. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
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