New Mexico State (28-13) jumped on top in the first inning with back-to-back singles by Tyler Forney and Parker Hipp, followed by a three-run home run over the left field wall from Ryan Aguayo. The Aggies threatened to score again in the third inning, putting runners on second and third with two outs, but Seattle U starter Brandon Kizer (Marysville, Wash.) collected a grounder from Tanner Waite to end the scoring opportunity.
Wesley Starkes led off the fifth inning with a double, and Forney drew a walk. A double by Hipp drove in both Starkes and Forney, and Waite sent a single up the middle that brought Forney in with New Mexico State's sixth run of the game.
Seattle U broke through in the bottom of the fifth when Nick Latta (Tacoma, Wash.) walked and then advanced to third when Dan Reid's pickoff attempt bounced off Latta's helmet and went into right field. Marcelino Morales (Pasco, Wash.) sent a chopper deep behind first base and beat Aguayo to the bag for a single, scoring Latta in the process.
Doug Kincaid (Portland, Ore.) led off the sixth inning with a walk, and Josh Kalalau (University Place, Wash.) followed with a double to right-center field. Bryndon Ecklund's (Elma, Wash.) single through the left side of the infield scored Kincaid, and Cullen Hendrickson (Auburn, Wash.) earned a double to left-center field that drove in Kalalau and Ecklund. Randy Montoya replaced Reid on the mound and induced three fly outs to end the inning with the Aggies still ahead, 6-4.
Waite drove in Forney in the seventh inning with the final run of the game as the top of the Aggie order finished the night 9-for-18, including a 3-for-3 performance by Forney. Two walks and a hit batter allowed the Redhawks to load the bases in the bottom of the seventh, but Gerardo Renteria forced a popout to end the home team's scoring threat.
Kizer took the loss, allowing six hits, four walk, and six runs in six innings with five strikeouts. Reid earned his seventh win of the season, while Scott Coffman picked up his eighth save of the year after setting down the Redhawks in order in the ninth inning.
Seattle University (16-19) will look to turn the momentum around Friday, April 29, as it will face New Mexico State in a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. at Bannerwood Park. Live stats and live audio will be available on GoSeattleU.com.