Spartans Win Season Opener, 9-3 Over New Mexico

Friday, February 13

Surprise, Ariz.

7:00 PM

Michigan State University

1-0

New Mexico

0-1

Michigan State

New Mexico

Cam Gibson went 3-4 with a home run in Friday night's win.

2/14/2015 12:00:00 AM | Baseball

Box Score

Feb. 13, 2015

Box Score

SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Michigan State baseball team won its season opener on Friday night at Surprise Stadium, defeating New Mexico, 9-3. With the game tied at 3-3 in the eighth, MSU's offense exploded for six runs in the final two innings to separate from the Lobos and start off the 2015 season with a victory. Michigan State is now 6-1 in season openers under head coach Jake Boss.

"Good win by our guys tonight," said Boss. "I thought we showed a lot of character. We hung around and put up a couple of big numbers late. It was a good win with a lot we can learn from and do better on. Overall, it was a good win against a very good ball club."

Senior Blaise Salter got the rally started in the eighth inning when he beat out a ball hit into the hole at short for a leadoff single. Third basemen Mark Weist followed with a double down the right field line, putting runners on second and third with nobody out. MSU pushed both runs across with sac flys from Ryan Krill and Anthony Cheky to open up a 5-3 lead.

After coming in for the final out of the seventh inning, sophomore reliever Walter Borkovich struck out the side in order in the bottom half of the eighth and retired all seven batters he faced in the game to earn the win.

"It felt good to get back out there and start the season," said Borkovich. "It takes a lot of pressure off you when the guys are behind you and scoring runs. Some of our guys had great nights. When the boys play loose like that, it is a lot easier to pitch."

In the game's final frame, Michigan State tacked on four runs on four hits to extend the lead to 9-3 and put the game out of reach.

It was the Lobos that jumped out early in the game, belting a two-run homer to right field in the first inning. MSU held firm though, allowing just three singles over the next five innings and keeping the game close. Starter Mick VanVossen threw 3.2 innings, allowing one hit with four walks. Joe Mockbee came in relief in the bottom of the fourth, giving up just one run that scored after reaching base on a dropped-third strike in three innings of work.

"The bullpen was outstanding," said Boss. "Joe came in a tight spot and got a good hold. Walter was really good and I'm really happy for him. He threw outstanding in two and a third innings with four strikeouts and not allowing a baserunner."

The Spartans had 14 hits in the contest, led by newcomer Mark Weist, who had four hits in first appearance in the Green and White. Cam Gibson and Ryan Richardson each added three hits, including Gibson's home run to center to start the fifth inning. Richardson was one of four players with two RBIs, joining Brandon Hughes, Ryan Krill, and Anthony Cheky.

"We like our lineup offensively," said Boss. "From top to bottom, it is a lineup where if we stay consistent, we can put up some pretty good numbers. The addition of Mark Weist in the middle is huge for us. There are some talented guys for us up and down the order. There are a lot of threats and a lot of veteran players who have played in a lot of ball games and have been there before."

MSU returns to action again tomorrow in Surprise, taking on Oregon State at 3 p.m. EST.