New Mexico State Aggies stun Arizona State Sun Devils 8-7 in high-scoring affair

New Mexico State stunned Arizona State 8-7 on Wednesday in a chaotic, back-and-forth game that saw both teams trade runs in waves from the opening inning. The Aggies, a 9-19 Conference USA squad, picked up one of their most significant wins of the season against a Big 12 Sun Devils team that entered at 18-12. Jonatan Clough, Tommy Meluskey, and Chris Daniels led the offensive charge for New Mexico State in a game defined by relentless run-scoring on both sides.

The first inning alone told the story of the entire afternoon. New Mexico State jumped out early as Clough drove in a run and Daniels plated two more, and Meluskey added another to give the Aggies an early advantage. Arizona State answered immediately — Landon Hairston delivered a three-RBI hit, Austen Roellig drove in a run, and Dominic Smaldino contributed two more to swing the momentum back toward the Sun Devils. By the time the dust settled on the opening frame, both teams had already combined for a flurry of runs in what became one of the wildest innings of the college baseball season.

The scoring didn't stop there. New Mexico State starter JT Price allowed a run in just one inning of work before handing off to Colton Sneddon, who struggled with command — surrendering two runs on two hits and three walks in two-thirds of an inning. Jaden Davis provided the Aggies some stability with two innings of work, though he allowed two runs as Arizona State continued pressing. Jake Carvajal ran into trouble as well, with Arizona State adding runs through PJ Moutzouridis and Roellig, who finished 1-for-4 with three RBI. The Sun Devils' offense kept piling on behind Hairston, who walked three times, scored twice, and drove in three runs to lead Arizona State's attack.

What ultimately decided the contest was New Mexico State's offensive resilience. Meluskey went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and four RBI, providing the Aggies with a reliable middle-of-the-order force. Daniels finished 1-for-4 but made his lone hit count, driving in two runs. Clough was equally impactful, going 2-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI across multiple plate appearances. Brandon Clizbe added 2-for-4 with an RBI to deepen the Aggie contribution. Julio Ramos ultimately slammed the door for New Mexico State, tossing two scoreless innings, allowing two hits, and walking one while striking out one to secure the final out and preserve the one-run advantage.

For Arizona State, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead. Starter Austin Musso was tagged for four runs on five hits in just 1.1 innings, putting the Sun Devils in an early hole. Jaden Alba provided the best relief work of the day for either side, striking out eight batters over 3.2 innings while allowing just one earned run. But Alex Overbay and Finn Edwards each allowed runs late, with Edwards giving up two earned runs in the final inning on two hits to seal the Aggies' victory. Smaldino went 2-for-4 with two RBI and Moutzouridis finished 1-for-4 with three RBI for Arizona State, giving the Sun Devils plenty of offensive production that simply wasn't enough in the end.

The win moves New Mexico State to 10-19, a meaningful result for a program looking for traction in Conference USA play. Arizona State drops to 18-13 in the Big 12, a setback against a team they were heavily favored to handle. The two programs are scheduled to meet again Thursday at Arizona State, giving the Sun Devils an immediate opportunity for a response and the Aggies a chance to make it two in a row against a Big 12 opponent.