Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
New Mexico
Softball recap: Lobos down Rams in Albuquerque
4/30/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 30, 2011
By Meredith Danner
Athletic Media Relations
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Rams scored the most runs in a single game since April 9 on Saturday, but were ultimately defeated by conference rival New Mexico, 13-7, at Lobo Field.
With a loss in the third and final matchup of the season between CSU and New Mexico, the Rams’ overall record drops to 7-37 (0-9 MWC). The Lobos improve to 18-21 (4-5 MWC) and snap a four-game losing streak with the win. In the all-time series, CSU is now 45-49 against New Mexico.
“I think they continue to have good at-bats,” CSU Head Coach Jen Fisher said. “They just continue to work, day in and day out. I thought we were patient early.”
In the top of the first, CSU senior Caitlan Stem (2-for-4) began her three-RBI day with her sixth home run of the year, a two-run shot to center field.
Three more runs came around in the second, the first two coming off a fielding error by New Mexico pitcher Kari Gutierrez. The error allowed freshman Morghan Doughty to reach third base. Sophomore Brianna Donahue and freshman Alysa Greckel scored unearned runs on the play to take a lead over the Lobos. Stem then grounded out to first, bringing in Doughty for the third run of the inning.
In the fifth, junior Lyssa Roberts (1-for-4) doubled down the left-field line with two on base, bringing her RBI total to 19. She is now tied with Greckel for third on the team in that category.
Fisher praised Roberts’ consistency at the plate.
“She’s been a great leader for us on and off the field because she’s been so steady,” Fisher said. “She’s just a tough out at the plate. She battles, and if she’s not getting the hard hit, she’s always very close.”
CSU freshman Alexa Cash started in the circle for the 19th time and gave up seven earned runs in four innings of work. Sophomore Kelsey Jo O’Brien pitched three innings of relief and gave up four additional earned runs.
Despite giving up 13 runs, Fisher pointed out that only one walk was issued between the two pitchers (by Cash, in the first inning). The two also threw no wild pitches.
The Rams will return to Ram Field in Fort Collins on Monday for their final two non-conference games of the season. They will take on Portland State in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. MT.
