LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The New Mexico State baseball team wrapped up its third annual Duel in the Desert at Presley Askew Field Saturday, Oct. 10, with Team Crimson defeating Team Black 8-4 in an intrasquad exhibition.
The annual fall event gives Aggie fans an early look at the upcoming team while providing an opportunity to connect with players and the baseball program. This year’s event featured an exhibition between Team Black and Team Crimson, along with interactive contests and activities for fans throughout the evening including a team meet and greet.
The event was delayed 30 minutes due to rain, but the weather did little to slow the offensive hot starts for both sides. Outfielder Keldrin Rodriguez opened the scoring for Team Black with a two-run home run in the top of the first inning. Team Crimson responded to tie the game at two before outfielder Jonatan Clough launched a two-run homer of his own; it traveled 419 feet to give team Crimson a 4-2 lead.
Dallin Harrison and Aric Ehmke started on the mound for Team Crimson and Team Black respectively. Both pitchers completed two innings before being relieved in the third. John Hojnowski came in to relieve Harrison in the top half of the inning, while Jared Marchbank took over for Ehmke in the bottom half.
Team Crimson maintained its offensive momentum throughout the remainder of the game, outscoring Team Black 4-2 over the final innings to secure the 8-4 victory.
This exhibition offered an early look at the Aggies as they prepare for the 2027 season under fourth-year head coach Jake Angier. With the fall event complete, NMSU can turn its attention to their newly released Conference USA schedule.
The Aggies will have a 27-game conference slate, starting league play with a three-game series on the road against Florida International University in Miami, March 26-28. New Mexico State’s home CUSA opener will be a weekend series against Jacksonville State April 2-4.
The Aggies close CUSA play versus Liberty in Lynchburg, Virginia, May 20-22. After CUSA play ends, the CUSA Baseball Championship is scheduled for May 26-30 in Huntsville, Texas, with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Baseball Championship.
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