New Mexico Lobos Baseball Clinches Third-Straight MW Tournament Berth with Dramatic 11-9 Comeback
PHOENIX, Ariz. — The New Mexico Lobos baseball team etched their names into Mountain West history on Sunday, securing their third consecutive appearance in the conference tournament with a thrilling 11-9 victory. After falling behind early and facing the threat of their first conference sweep of the season, the Lobos staged a stunning two-inning rally to salvage the win and lock down their postseason spot.
Key Takeaways
- Tournament Berth Secured: UNM clinches its third straight MW Tournament appearance with a 12-11-1 conference record.
- Momentum Shift: The Lobos scored 11 runs in the 4th and 5th innings after being held to five or fewer runs in four straight games.
- Tournament Seed: Currently locked in as at least a No. 5 seed, with potential to climb to No. 4.
- Upcoming Action: MW Tournament runs May 21-24 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona.
The Comeback That Defined the Season
The Lobos entered Sunday’s game in a precarious position, having lost four consecutive games and struggling to score runs. Their opponent, a conference rival, took an early 5-0 lead in the second inning, putting UNM on the brink of a historic sweep.
But the Lobos refused to go quietly. In the top of the fourth inning, they finally broke through with three runs on five hits. Luke Mansy led off with a single, followed by Gene Trujillo’s 20th double of the season. Brodey Williams and Karsen Waslefsky each drove in a run, and Diaz sealed the inning with a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit to 5-3.
Reliever Ethin Woltz then delivered a 1-2-3 bottom of the fourth to keep the momentum alive. The Lobos capitalized in the fifth inning, loading the bases with nobody out before exploding for eight runs on just four hits. Williams extended his night with another RBI single, Akili Carris delivered a two-run double, and Mansy added another RBI grounder to push the lead to 10-5. The final three runs came on a pair of errors and a wild pitch, sealing the 11-9 victory.
“With today’s win, the Lobos have secured their third-straight @MountainWest Baseball Championship appearance!”
Third Consecutive Tournament Berth: A Historic Streak
This victory marks the third straight year the Lobos have qualified for the Mountain West Tournament, a testament to their resilience, and depth. With a 12-11-1 conference record, UNM is currently locked in as at least a No. 5 seed, with the potential to climb to No. 4 depending on the outcomes of remaining conference games.
The tournament is set to take place May 21-24 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona, where the Lobos will look to build on their recent momentum. The team’s ability to overcome adversity—particularly in high-pressure situations—has become a defining characteristic of this season.
Standout Performances
- Luke Mansy: Led the offense with two RBI hits, including a key single in the fourth inning and a grounder in the fifth.
- Gene Trujillo: Delivered his 20th double of the season, a critical moment in the Lobos’ comeback.
- Brodey Williams & Karsen Waslefsky: Each drove in two runs, showcasing their clutch hitting.
- Akili Carris: Extended the lead with a two-run double in the fifth inning.
- Ethin Woltz (RHP): Shut down the opponent in relief, preserving the Lobos’ lead with a 1-2-3 inning.
What’s Next for the Lobos
The Lobos now turn their focus to the Mountain West Tournament, where they will face stiff competition from other conference teams. With another weekend of regular-season games remaining for some opponents, UNM’s seed could still improve, setting up a potential higher seeding in the postseason.
For fans, the next few weeks will be a rollercoaster of high stakes and high emotions. The Lobos’ ability to bounce back from adversity has been a hallmark of this season, and that resilience will be tested once again as they chase their first tournament title in years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mountain West Tournament?
The Mountain West Tournament is the postseason championship for the Mountain West Conference in baseball. It features the top teams from the conference, competing for the title and a chance to advance to the NCAA Tournament.
When and where is the tournament?
The 2026 Mountain West Tournament is scheduled for May 21-24 at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona.
What seed is New Mexico currently?
As of now, the Lobos are locked in as at least a No. 5 seed, with the potential to climb to No. 4 based on remaining conference results.
Who are the key players to watch?
Keep an eye on Luke Mansy, Gene Trujillo, Brodey Williams, Karsen Waslefsky, Akili Carris, and reliever Ethin Woltz, who have all been instrumental in recent performances.
Follow the Lobos’ Journey
Stay updated with the latest news, scores, and highlights from the New Mexico Lobos baseball team by visiting their official athletics website or following them on Twitter.