Repeat performance: Lobos win 13-4 again

Thirteen has been an entirely lucky number for the University of New Mexico baseball team this weekend.

The Lobos racked up 13 runs for a second straight day Saturday and knocked off visiting UNLV by a 13-4 count — for a second consecutive day.

“I hope it’s 13-4 again (today),” UNM coach Ray Birmingham said. “We’re breaking out of our funk a little bit and we need series sweeps. Anytime we can get 13 runs, I’ll take it.”

The Lobos (22-16-1 overall, 13-2-1 Mountain West) played long ball against the Rebels (14-27, 7-13) on Saturday. Jack Zoellner, Jared Mang and Carl Stajduhar homered as UNM made the most of its 11 hits.

Zoellner had a big day, finishing 3-for-5 with two doubles and five RBIs. He also set the tone for the game with UNM trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning.

With two Lobo runners on base and one out, Zoellner was hit by a pitch from UNLV starter Tevita Gerber. The plate umpire ruled Zoellner did not attempt to avoid the pitch and did not award him first base. This, after a UNLV batter jogged to first after being hit by a bouncing pitch in the top of the first.

Birmingham argued the call, but his loss was Zoellner’s gain. The senior stepped back in the box and hammered a three-run homer

to right field.

“That was clutch,” Birmingham said. “I didn’t agree with the call, but I’m sure Jack would rather have the bomb anyway.”

Mang added a three-run shot in the second to make the score 6-2 and UNM steadily pulled away behind starting pitcher Johnathon Tripp (3-1), who worked seven solid innings for the win.