Then like many a failed relationship - Vegas happened.
A weekend road trip to UNLV saw the Lobos lose all three games, getting outscored 39-10 in the process. Returning home with a fourth loss in a row - this time to San Diego State, the Lobos found themselves in a race with the Rebels of UNLV. After righting the ship by winning the final two games of the series with San Diego, the Lobos and Rebels were tied for first place in the MWC. This past weekend, the Lobos went 2-1 against the University of Nevada Wolfpack, while UNLV went 1-2 against San Diego State - leaving NM a game ahead with only three games remaining in the season. The Lobos are in the driver's seat to secure their four-peat as conference champs.
They finish the season against with three game sets at home to the last place Air Force Falcons. UNLV is home to the Nevada Wolfpack in their final series.
It's likely that even with a loss, the Lobos will make the 64 team tournament, which means our three Lobos may have a delayed arrival in Victoria as they progress.
On the field, OF Danny Collier continues to receive accolades for his stellar play, both for his defensive ability and at the plate - so much so that he is currently forth in the NCAA in Freshman batting average, and has an excellent chance at becoming a Freshman All-American. He had hit safely in all of his 28 starts this season before injuring a hamstring legging out a double two weekends ago. He missed eight games and returned with a bang, going 3-4, but has re-aggravated the injury and has missed the team's next three games. His bat being out of the line-up certainly had at least something to do with the team's slump. He was with the team last weekend, and went 1-1 in a pinch hit role. He's still hitting .365, but remains questionable for the team's final series.
LHP Carson Schneider is getting plenty of work - he's up to 21 appearances, and 24.1 total innings of work. His ERA remains a solid 3.70.
RHP Preston Ryan is having a bit more success out of the bullpen - he's got his ERA down to 9.56 after his first scoreless two innings of work this season.
Expect more Lobos updates as the season draws to a close, and the boys make it to the big dance!
HarbourCatnip
The Lobos aren't the only team pushing toward the championship with HarbourCats on their rosters. The Pepperdine Waves, led by HarbourCat Catcher Aaron Barnett are currently ranked #22 in the country, and are leading the West Coast conference by 2 games. Pepperdine is predicted to go far in the tourney this year, meaning Barnett's .357 average will be missing to start the season.
We'll have a complete rundown of playoff / timing implications in a week for all our upcoming HarbourCats...
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