February 24, 2006 

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico - New Mexico used a three-run fourth inning to erase a 3-1 deficit and never looked back, winning the opener of a three-game series over Utah Valley State 9-3 on Friday night.

New Mexico took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Matt Foote hit a two-out RBI single to score Jay Russell.

Utah Valley took the lead in the top of the third after Canyon Vance hit a bases loaded single to bring home Scott Croshaw and Eli Slesk.

The Wolverines stretched the lead to 3-1 after a double down the left field line by Kade Boyer scored Derrick Thomas.

But in the bottom of the fourth errors proved costly as New Mexico scored three unearned runs to take the lead for good. 

The Lobos added two runs in the fifth inning to give themselves a 6-3 cushion before adding three more with two out in the eighth for the final margin.

The Wolverines missed their chance early to get to UNM starter Nate Melek (2-1), but after the fourth struggled against the senior starter as he allowed only three hits over his final four innings of work.

Damon Miller came in for Melek in the ninth to wrap up the win for the Lobos.

Utah Valley starter Kam Mickolio (0-3) allowed three earned runs in 4.2 innings of work and was hampered by the three unearned runs in the fourth.

Marcus Moore came out of the bullpen to throw 2.1 innings, allowing three hits while striking out three.

Leading the Wolverines at the plate were Vance and Dan Bulow, who had two hits apiece. Slesk and Brad Hales both continued their hitting streaks as they each had one hit. Slesk moves his streak to 12 dating back to 2005 while Hales streak sits at eight dating back to last season.

Utah Valley State and New Mexico will meet tomorrow at 4:00pm MST. The Wolverines will send Kalen Parsons (0-1, 6.17) while the Lobos will counter with left hander Danny Ray Herrera (2-0, 2.42).