Sam Houston Bearkats edge New Mexico State Aggies in series opener

Ryan Franden's two-run homer helps Sam Houston hold off late Aggies rally

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:36am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with sharp planes of color representing the players, field, and stadium elements. The artwork has a dynamic, multi-angled perspective that captures the energy and intensity of the competition.A cubist interpretation of the tense back-and-forth action between the New Mexico State Aggies and Sam Houston Bearkats in their series opener.Las Cruces Today

The Sam Houston Bearkats jumped out to an early 8-4 lead and then held off a late rally by the New Mexico State Aggies to win the series opener 8-7 at Presley Askew Field on Friday. Ryan Franden hit a two-run home run to lead the Bearkats, who improved to 15-23 on the season. The Aggies fell to 16-20 despite a three-run homer by Jonatan Clough and a late comeback attempt.

Why it matters

This early-season Western Athletic Conference matchup between two struggling teams could have implications for their postseason hopes later in the year. The Aggies were looking to bounce back at home after a tough start to the season, while the Bearkats were hoping to build momentum with a road win.

The details

Sam Houston scored three runs in the first inning and then exploded for five more in the second, highlighted by Franden's two-run shot and a two-run single by Wes Baker. The Aggies got on the board in the second with an RBI single by Boston Vest, and then Clough launched a three-run homer in the third to make it 8-4. NMSU chipped away at the deficit and eventually cut it to one run in the eighth, but Sam Houston was able to hold on for the victory.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • Sam Houston jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning.
  • The Bearkats scored five runs in the second inning.
  • Jonatan Clough hit a three-run homer for NMSU in the third inning.
  • The Aggies rallied late but ultimately fell 8-7.

The players

Ryan Franden

A Sam Houston player who hit a two-run home run to lead the Bearkats' offense.

Jonatan Clough

A New Mexico State player who hit a three-run homer to try and spark the Aggies' comeback.

Colton Sneddon

The New Mexico State starting pitcher who only lasted 1.0 innings and gave up five earned runs.

Ryan Peterson

The Sam Houston pitcher who went 6.0 innings and gave up five earned runs with six strikeouts.

Boston Vest

A New Mexico State player who got the Aggies on the board with an RBI single in the second inning.

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What they’re saying

“We have to come out stronger from the start if we want to compete in this conference. Our slow start really put us in a hole today.”

— Jonatan Clough, New Mexico State Player

What’s next

The two teams will face off again on Saturday at 6 pm for the second game of their three-game series.

The takeaway

This loss is a tough one for the struggling New Mexico State Aggies, who will need to find a way to start games stronger if they hope to turn their season around and compete in the Western Athletic Conference. Meanwhile, the Sam Houston Bearkats will look to build on this road win as they try to improve their own record.