NMSU softball cruises past UTEP, 12-0, in El Paso
EL PASO, Texas – Emma Adams tied the program record for career doubles with her 42nd double as the NM State softball team defeated Battle of I-10 rival 12-0 on Tuesday at Helen of Troy Field.
The Aggies (29-19) scored 12 runs and amassed eight RBIs on 13 hits. Fiana Finau went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and three runs, which included her ninth home run of the season. Kayla Green pitched 4.0 innings and had two strikeouts in 13 batters faced.
UTEP (19-24) had one hit. Kaitlin Fifield pitched 4.0 innings and allowed nine runs on 11 hits with three strikeouts in 26 batters faced.
The Aggies took the lead in the top of the first inning. Kelsey Horton hit a single to left field. Finau then hit a single up the middle and advanced to third on an error, while Horton scored on the play. Corrin Green doubled to straightaway center to score Finau as NM State took a 2-0 advantage.
NM State retired UTEP in order to end the first inning, but the home team put two runners in scoring position in the bottom of the second inning. Taylor Sargent was walked and advanced to third as Hope Moreno doubled to left field. The Aggie defense then used a pop out, a strike out and a ground out to preserve the 2-0 lead.
The Aggies increased their lead in the top of the fourth inning. Victoria Castro singled up the middle and advanced to third as B. Nakamura hit a double to left center. Castro then scored as Rachel Rodriguez grounded out. Fahren Glackin reached on an error by the shortstop and Brennalyn Nakamura scored on the play. Glackin advanced to second as Horton singled to the shortstop and then scored as Finau hit a single and advanced to second on the throw.
Horton scored and Finau advanced to third on a wild pitch. Green then reached on an error by the shortstop and Finau scored on the play before Adams hit a double to right center field. Adams and Green then scored as Castro hit a double to right field to give NM State a 9-0 advantage.
NM State scored again in the top of the fifth inning. Amy Bergeson was hit by a pitch, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Horton was walked before Finau hit a home run over right center to give the Aggies a 12-0 victory.
