May 23, 2025

NMSU Aggies Eliminate from Conference USA Tournament

News Summary

The New Mexico State Aggies faced a disappointing exit from the Conference USA tournament after two close losses to Western Kentucky and Kennesaw State. Starting as the seventh seed, the Aggies showcased moments of potential but ultimately finished their season without a victory in the tournament, ending with a record of 23-33. Key players contributed offensively, but missed opportunities and faltering pitching led to their downfall as they strive to regroup for the upcoming season.

Las Cruces, New Mexico – The New Mexico State Aggies (NMSU) have been eliminated from the Conference USA (CUSA) tournament following two heartbreaking losses to Western Kentucky and Kennesaw State. Entering the tournament as the seventh seed, the Aggies finished their season with a record of 23-33.

NMSU’s first game on May 21, 2025, against second-seeded Western Kentucky (WKU) started promisingly, as the Aggies established a commanding 6-0 lead after the fourth inning. Key contributions came from Mitch Namie, who started the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the first inning, and an RBI groundout in the second inning, scoring Gianni Horvat. A four-run explosion in the fourth inning included a two-run single from first-team All-CUSA designated hitter Steve Solorzano and an RBI single from Boston Vest.

However, Western Kentucky responded aggressively. The Hilltoppers began to close the gap with two runs in the fifth inning, aided by an RBI fielder’s choice and a double from Joe Siervo. They rallied further in the sixth inning with a three-run double by Ethan Lizama, tying the game at 6-6. The tension escalated as Lizama hit a solo home run in the eighth inning, putting WKU ahead. Ultimately, WKU claimed a 7-6 victory in the tenth inning with a walk-off RBI double by Lizama, who drove in Kyle Hayes from first base. The Aggies failed to capitalize on their opportunities, leaving a total of 15 runners on base, including eight during a scoreless stretch after the fourth inning.

Following the disappointment against WKU, NMSU faced third-seeded Kennesaw State (KSU) in the loser’s bracket on May 22, 2025. The game began with a promising start for the Aggies as they took an early 2-0 lead thanks to another two-run home run from Mitch Namie. However, KSU quickly answered back, tying the game in the bottom of the second inning with a two-run single by Cam Suto. KSU then took the lead at 4-2, aided by an RBI groundout and a wild pitch that scored a run.

The back-and-forth continued when Bryce Campbell hit a two-run homer and Namie added another solo shot, making the score 5-5 after five innings. Unfortunately for the Aggies, their pitching faltered in the seventh inning, as Ian Hoslett gave up five earned runs, allowing KSU to seize an 8-5 lead. KSU bolstered their advantage with a crucial two-run homer from Cam Suto, sealing their victory. NMSU struggled offensively in the eighth and ninth innings, failing to secure a hit and concluding their season without a victory in the conference tournament.

The earlier-than-expected exit from the tournament is disappointing for the Aggies, who showed potential during the regular season. Despite the numerous missed opportunities and the heart-wrenching nature of the losses, the Aggies will look to regroup and build for the future as they prepare for the upcoming season.

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Additional Resources

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