Las Cruces, N.M. - San Jose State let a three-run run lead slip away when New Mexico State had a six-run burst late in the game to win it 8-5 and complete a three-game sweep at Presley Askew Field Sunday.
The Spartans (14-33, 8-13 WAC) got a solo home run from Dane Lund, his first as a Spartan, and took a 5-2 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning when trouble happened.
Reliever Kalei Contrades walked two of the first three batters to begin the frame. Four consecutive singles followed the walks, allowing NMSU to take a 7-5 lead. Tanner Rust and Robert Lacount each had two-RBI singles. Michael Paulson chased in the sixth run of the inning with a single to left-center field.
"It's the same story," said San Jose State head coach Dave Nakama. "We had the lead and then just allowed another big inning. We just can't avoid those big innings."
Contrades took the loss and fell to 1-3. Johnny Melero made his 12th start of the season and earned a no-decision after giving up two runs in four innings.
San Jose State had 14 hits on the day and scored in each of the first four innings.
Dane Lund stepped up in the fourth inning with one out and belted a solo shot over the left field wall. Andre Mercurio had a 3-for-4 day at the plate including an RBI-single in the second. Nick Schulz, Sheldon Daquioag and Jacob Valdez also knocked in runs during the Spartans' early scoring.
NMSU starter Michael Ormseth left the game after giving up four earned runs on eight hits in three innings. Casey Collins pitched three innings of relief and improved to 5-4 with the win.
The Aggies outscored the Spartans 34-6 during the sweep. It is the second time being swept in WAC play this season for SJSU.
The loss Sunday coupled with Seattle U's win puts San Jose State in ninth place in the WAC standings. They're half a game behind eighth place Seattle U with two more conference series remaining.