SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Fresno State baseball team advances in the 2024 Mountain West Championship with a 6-1 victory over New Mexico in the elimination game on Friday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Diamond 'Dogs struck first with a double from Murf Gray and an RBI single from Bobby Blandford that scored Gray.
Grady Morgan extended the Bulldog lead with a three-run homer in the top of the third that plated Tommy Hopfe and Eddie Saldivar.
The Bulldog lead grew to five as Michael McKernan stepped up to the plate in the fifth inning as the leadoff batter and crushed a solo shot to left field.
The Lobos were not able to score until the sixth inning, scoring a run in the hitless inning on a fielder's choice.
Morgan continued his hot streak with a lead-off triple in the top of the ninth. Murf Gray walked in the next at-bat, and Tyler Davis drove in an insurance run for the Diamond 'Dogs with a sacrifice fly that scored Morgan.
Closer Aidan Cremarosa held the Lobos scoreless to end the game with a 6-1 victory for the Bulldogs.
NOTES
Starting pitcher Jake Riding owned the mound with a career-high nine strikeouts in 7.0 innings.
Grady Morgan went 2-3 on the day with a home run and a triple.
Michael McKernan crushed his third home run of the season.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs continue their Mountain West Championship journey on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. PT at Tony Gwynn Stadium.