The NM State Aggies baseball team finds itself in a tough stretch, dropping a 12-6 decision to rival New Mexico on Tuesday night at Lobo Baseball. The loss extends NM State's losing streak to eight games, though the Aggies can take some solace in winning the season series against their in-state foes, finishing 3-1 in the Rio Grande Rivalry. Now sitting at 19-32 overall, the team is looking to finish the season strong despite the recent skid.
The Aggies came out swinging, grabbing an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Aidan Taclas doubled to bring home Jonatan Clough. They kept the pressure on in the fifth, as Chris Daniels launched a two-run home run to briefly reclaim momentum and put NM State back in control. However, New Mexico responded in the middle innings before delivering a crushing seven-run seventh that broke the game wide open.
To their credit, the Aggies didn't go quietly. In the eighth, Easton Rulli crushed a three-run homer to cut into the deficit, showing the kind of fight that has defined this team all season. NM State finished with 10 hits on the night, led by Clough's three-hit performance and multi-hit efforts from Taclas and Rulli.
Rulli's blast was his fifth home run of the season, making him one of four Aggies with five or more dingers this year. It also marked his ninth multi-hit game of the season, a testament to his growing impact at the plate. Meanwhile, Jonatan Clough continues to be a consistent force, notching his 14th multi-hit game of the year—including six games with three or more hits. And Aidan Taclas? He's been a machine, with 15 multi-hit showings, ranking second on the team behind only Steve Solorzano.
The Aggies have now recorded 10 or more hits in 24 games this season, showcasing an offense that can produce even when results don't go their way. They've also hit multiple home runs in six of their last 13 games, a positive sign for a team looking to build momentum. On the mound, Bradyn Barnes tossed 4.0 innings, matching his season high in a solid outing.
NM State wraps up the season with a 6-6 record in midweek games, but their 5-20 mark in true road games highlights the challenges they've faced away from home. As the Aggies look to close out the year, they'll aim to channel the resilience and power they've shown—especially in rivalry games—into a strong finish.