LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The NM State baseball team is gearing up for a significant midweek matchup against the UNC Greensboro Spartans on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. This will mark the first-ever meeting between the two programs, elevating the anticipation among fans and players alike. The contest is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. MDT at the UNCG Baseball Stadium in Greensboro, North Carolina.
This road trip is notable not just for the historical significance of the matchup but also for its logistics; the journey to Greensboro will cover approximately 1,500 miles, making it the second-longest trip of the season for the Aggies, only surpassed by a forthcoming trip to Miami next month.
Last week, the Aggies faced the Portland Pilots at Presley Askew Field in a tough three-game series. After struggling on Saturday with a lopsided 18-8 loss, NM State bounced back in a thrilling finale on March 16. In a nail-biting finish, the Aggies overcame a 5-0 deficit to clinch an 11-10 walk-off victory. Relief pitcher Saul Soto emerged as a key player, tossing a career-high 5.0 innings and helping the team secure the win. Reportedly, "Soto was credited with the win for his efforts and tallied four strikeouts to mark his third consecutive outing with at least three strikeouts," enhancing his record to 3-0 for the season.
The Aggies are not just looking ahead to the Greensboro matchup; they are also preparing for a series against Liberty at the end of the week. The first game against Liberty is slated for Friday at 2 p.m. MDT. This series will be a critical test, as Liberty presents a formidable challenge and an opportunity for NM State to assert itself in the Conference USA landscape.
Mitch Namie, who has been leading the charge offensively for the Aggies this season, showcases outstanding skill as a batter. He has recorded a hit in all but one game thus far and is known for his offensive prowess, with a batting average that places him among the top in the conference. Currently, Namie’s standout performance includes leading the team in doubles, ranking 32nd nationally with a total of nine doubles this season. This offensive consistency is essential for the team's success against competitive opponents like UNC Greensboro.
Add to that, the momentum from their recent victory over No. 14 Texas A&M on March 9, where the Aggies triumphed 4-1. This historic win marked a significant milestone, being the program's first victory over a top-25 opponent since 2012. The win was a culmination of strategic play and tenacious defense, illustrating the growth and potential of the team this season.
On another positive note, several players are showing excellent performance this season. Steve Solorzano stands out with a remarkable .522 on-base percentage, a stat that leads all hitters in Conference USA. His ability to consistently get on base is crucial for setting the stage for runs, especially against tight defenses like those anticipated from Greensboro.
As the Aggies prepare to take on the Spartans, there’s a buzz of excitement surrounding this young squad. With eight freshmen pitchers making appearances, the team is integrating new talents effectively. Among those is Matthew Yarc, who has impressed with his performance, contributing significantly to the pitching staff alongside fellow newcomers. Their development is vital for the Aggies’ hopes as the season progresses.
Interestingly, the Aggies have also demonstrated an impressive ability to turn double plays, ranking 12th nationally with 19 double plays so far this season. This skill not only showcases the team's strong defensive capabilities but also serves as a critical factor in controlling the pace of games.
With all these statistics and highlighted players, NM State is entering this midweek game with confidence. Although there won't be a live stream or radio coverage for the game, fans can track live stats through NMStateStats.com, ensuring that they can still engage with their team from afar.
Following their contest against UNC Greensboro, the Aggies will head to Lynchburg, Virginia, for their first Conference USA series of the season against Liberty, further underscoring the busy schedule ahead.
For those eager to support the team, updates and coverage can be found on the official Aggie athletics website at NMStateSports.com, as well as through their social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
The upcoming game against UNC Greensboro not only represents a crucial opportunity for victories but also for the NM State baseball team to establish their presence in this competitive season.
