Santa Fe Fuego Outlast Las Cruces Vaqueros 21-20

July 16 2012 The Santa Fe Fuego outlasted the Las Cruces Vaqueros 21-20 in 10 innings at Joe Bauman Park. Santa Fe collected 23 hits and Las Cruces had 20 in a high-scoring contest that saw both teams score in the extra frame before the Fuego secured the victory.

Las Cruces built a 15-7 lead through five innings, including an 11-run fourth. Santa Fe answered with nine runs in the sixth to move ahead 16-15, and the teams traded runs late before Santa Fe scored once in the 10th. The Fuego also scored four runs in the ninth to force the extra inning.

Randy Wells led Las Cruces with five hits and seven RBI, including two home runs and three doubles. Steve Rinaudo added four hits and five RBI, while Logan Lotti and Trevor Whyte contributed two and four RBI respectively. For Santa Fe, Justin Trejo went 5-for-5 with five RBI, Nick Muller had four hits and six RBI with two home runs, and Joshua Valle recorded four hits.

Jerome Romero earned the win for Santa Fe after pitching a scoreless inning without allowing a hit. Patrick Nolan took the loss for Las Cruces after allowing one run in one-third of an inning. Las Cruces pitchers surrendered 23 hits and 21 runs, while Santa Fes staff allowed 20 hits and 20 runs.