“The confidence in our lineup, knowing that the guy behind you is going to get the job done helps a lot.”
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By Al Scott
How sweep it is! The Diamond Dogs finished off the weekend with a sweep of the New Mexico Lobos, capped off by a 13-7 victory on Sunday afternoon at Bob Bennett Stadium.
With the win, Fresno State is now 15-16 on the season, including a first place record of 8-4 in the Mountain West Conference.
The Bulldogs had 17 hits on Sunday, including centerfielder Sky Collins, who homered for the third time in 2025. The Buchanan High School and Fresno City College alum finished the series going 7-for-13 with a homer and six runs driven in.
“He takes good, competitive at bats, no matter where he’s at in the order. Obviously the speed is going to be a factor and the defense as well. He also put down a good bunt yesterday,” Coach Ryan Overland said. “If you’re getting that type of production from the bottom of the order, you’re gonna be in a pretty good spot.”
Third baseman Murf Gray and catcher Justin Stranky combined for five hits and 6 RBI’s on the day. Second Baseman Eddie Saldivar went 3-for-5 with four runs scored.
What happened
Fresno State starting pitcher Kaleb Hay set the tone early, getting the Lobos to go down 1-2-3 in the first inning. In the bottom half of the frame, Saldivar led off with a single to left field. Stransky followed with a walk.
A batter later, designated hitter Griffin Sotomayor singled to right to load the bases. Saldivar would eventually come around to score on a wild pitch before the Bulldogs were left stranded with the bases loaded.
The Lobos teed off on Hay during the second inning. A trio of singles loaded the bases to begin the inning. A sacrifice fly to center from catcher Brodey Williams tied the game at 1-1. With one out, New Mexico shortstop Karsen Waslefsky singled through the left side of the infield to give the Lobos a 2-1 lead.
New Mexico would score six times in the inning, including a two-run double courtesy of right fielder Will Asby. Hay was replaced by lefty Bryce Armstrong after just 1.2 innings pitched.
The ‘Dogs bounced back in the bottom half to score four runs on four hits, including a two-run double from Gray. They would tie the game in the bottom of the third with a leadoff home run from Collins.
“It feels good. I don’t get to (round the bases) often but it feels good to get one out of here,” Collins said.
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Fresno State would score twice more in the frame, including an RBI double down the left field line from Stransky.
New Mexico was aggressive in the fourth inning, turning to closer Ty Cunningham. He would face seven Bulldogs, but got none of them out.
“The confidence in our lineup, knowing that the guy behind you is going to get the job done helps a lot,” Collins said.
A pair of walks followed by a single from Lee Trevino setup Collins for a perfectly placed two-run single, in between the shortstop and the left fielder. With the lineup turned over; Saldivar, Stransky and Gray each drove in a run with a base hit to give the ‘Dogs a 13-6 lead.
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The Fresno State bullpen as a group allowed just one run over 7.1 innings of work, striking out nine.
“That was huge,” Overland said.
Armstrong struck out three in 2.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen, while allowing just one hit. Freshman Tyler Patrick struck out four in 2.2 innings pitched, giving up a run on just one hit. JT Guerrero finished it off with a pair of scoreless frames.
Guerrero struck out two. Despite coming into the game with a six run lead, the right-hander says his game mentality comes from pitching coach Troy Buckley.
“Buck always preaches coming into the game like you’re down two,” Guerrero said.
He added that while being able to finish off any team is great, “it’s even better” coming against a (previously) first place team like New Mexico.
Cayden Munster also made a nice, diving catch at first place to cap off a defensive clinic put on by the Bulldog defense this weekend.
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“We’re starting to get rolling. Hopefully we can carry that into next week,” Collins said.
What’s next
Despite the sweep, Overland remains cautious about the outlook on his team.
“You have to keep your foot on the gas pedal,” Overland said. “This league is gonna vary week to week, with matchups and who’s at home and who’s on the road…but these guys are working hard and picking each other up. If they keep doing that, good things will happen.”
The Bulldogs host the Saint Mary’s Gaels at Pete Beiden Field for some midweek action. First pitch this Tuesday is set for 6:05 p.m.
Cover photo provided by Fresno State.