Friday, May 9
3:05 pm MT
Air Force Academy
vs
University of New Mexico
Baseball Hosts New Mexico for Final Home Series, Super Fan Weekend, and Senior Recognition
5/8/2025 3:18:00 PM | Baseball
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo., - The Falcons (18-30, 10-14) are fighting for a spot in the Mountain West tournament and face the Lobos of New Mexico (28-18, 15-9) for the second time this season in their final home series at Erdle Field from Friday May 9-Sunday May 11. This weekend's series will be memorable, as the inaugural Falcon Baseball Super Fan Weekend will commence and Air Force will recognize the five-man class of 2025 in a special senior day ceremony before game three, at 11:35 a.m. on Sunday.
Schedule
Fri: Ceremonial First Pitch, 2:58 p.m.
vs. New Mexico, 3:05 p.m. MT at Erdle Field in USAFA, Colo.,
Sat: Wings of Blue, 12:40 p.m.
Ceremonial First Pitch, 12:58 p.m.
vs. New Mexico, 1:05 p.m. MT at Erdle Field in USAFA, Colo.,
Sun: Senior Day Presentation, 11:35 a.m.
vs. New Mexico, 12:05 p.m. MT at Erdle Field in USAFA, Colo.,
Baseball Super Fan Weekend
Air Force baseball is hosting their inaugural Super Fan Weekend at Erdle Field during the series against New Mexico. The weekend's events are presented by Steward Remodeling and Groundworks.
Erdle Field
With the anticipation of great crowds during the 2025 Air Force baseball season, fans are encouraged to bring a folding chair to enjoy the game from the third base line, and other areas around Erdle Field, when the first base bleachers reach capacity.
Base Access
The U.S. Air Force Academy processes to access the installation continue to affect athletic events. While the installation remains open, if you do not have a DoD ID card you will need to obtain a pass to enter the base. Ticket holders wishing to attend can request a base pass by using this link for each game. Once you register, you will receive a message with a QR code on your phone to present at the gate when entering the Academy. Fans will present game tickets (if needed) when entering each venue. All ticketed/credentialed attendees will need to enter through the North Gate only to get to the Cadet Field House.
Broadcast Information
Live Stream: Mountain West Network
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
Twitter: @AF_Baseball
Series History
-The first official meeting between the two programs took place on March 2, 1957 and ended with an Air Force win, 8-7 at USAFA.
-Overall, the Lobos hold a winning 155-61 record over Air Force.
-Over time, New Mexico has outscored Air Force, 2,324-1,378.
-Last season, the teams met for one Mountain West series which the Falcons took 2-1 (12-3, 5-6, 18-7 (7 Inn.))
-The two programs have played a three-game series in 2025, with UNM taking the series 2-1 (4-7, 7-12, 7-1).
-The Falcons came back to win game three on Sunday March 30, 7-1. Across that game, Patrick Davidson held the Lobos scoreless through the 5.2 innings he pitched, while Luke Elmore went 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs.
Pitching Probables (2025 Stats)
Fri: RHP Easton Miller (9.11 ERA, 1-4) vs. LHP Daxton Purser (6.79 ERA, 3-3)
Sat: RHP Cranz Smelcer (7.42 ERA, 2-4) vs. RHP Cristian Mogen (9.24, 2-1)
Sun: LHP Ethan Dillinger (5.97 ERA, 0-2) vs. TBD
Projected Lineup (2025 OPS)
1. R/R, Chase Spencer, CF (.883 OPS)
2. R/R, Walker Zapp, C (1.014 OPS)
3. R/R, Zach Peters, RF (.989 OPS)
4. L/L, Tripp Garrish (.908 OPS)
5. R/R, Christian Taylor, LF (.830 OPS)
6. R/R, Luke Elmore, 1B (.810 OPS)
7. R/R, Alex Adams, 3B (.708 OPS)
8. R/R, T.J. Oster (.732 OPS)
9. R/R, Ben Niednagel, 3B (.742 OPS)
A Look at the Lobos
-New Mexico holds an overall record of 28-18 with a Mountain West record of 15-9.
-On the road, the Lobos have a losing record of 8-11 on the season.
-The team leads the Mountain West in multiple batting categories: batting average: .341, slugging percentage: 575, on-base percentage: .432 runs scored: 438, hits: 563, RBIs: 408, doubles: 127, home runs: 78, total bases: 950, and plate appearances: 1981.
-So far this season, New Mexico has outscored opponents, 438-393.
-The Lobos pitching staff has collected a combined ERA of 8.18 and 354 strikeouts across 391.2 innings and lead the MW in saves (13).
-In league play, Lobo infielder Ethan Ott ranks first in slugging percentage (.892), on-base percentage (.527), and home runs (10).
Freshman Friday
-Easton Miller is slated to take the Friday start against New Mexico, for his fifth start of the season and 19th appearance.
-Miller holds an overall ERA of 9.11 with a record of 1-4.
-Across the season, the RHP has totaled 21 strikeouts, and 27 earned runs allowed in 26.2 innings for a batting average against of .282.
-The freshman has collected six MW strikeouts in 8.2 innings for a record of 0-2 in conference play.
-Last time against UNM, Rhyne entered as a reliever in the game three 7-1 win, throwing one strikeout and allowing no runs or hits in 2.1 innings.
-Most recently, Miller appeared in relief for one out in the first game at Washington State.
-The RHP claimed his first career win in a midweek 9-4 victory at Wright State. Miller through 2.2 innings in relief with his career-high three Ks and one run off one hit.
Saturday Smelcer
-Cranz Smelcer has worked his way from reliever to taking multiple starts for the Falcons.
-Overall, the freshman has the third-most appearances for an (16) for an Air Force pitcher and has a team third-best 33 Ks, along with an overall ERA of 7.42 across 47.1 IP.
-In MW play, Smelcer holds an ERA of 5.61 with 16 strikeouts, and 21 earned runs off 41 hits allowed, in 33.2 innings, the most conference innings pitched by a Falcon.
-Most recently, Smelcer took the game two start at Washington State and threw seven scoreless innings (7.2 total) with only two earned runs allowed.
-The righty started game two against Nevada, where he recorded one K in four IP.
-At Fresno State, Smelcer picked up a new career-high 6.2 innings pitched and logged a pair of strikeouts while giving up five runs.
-Smelcer started the game two 6-4 win over UNLV. He threw 4.2 innings with four Ks and two earned runs.
-In the 18-8 run-rule win against San Diego State, Smelcer threw a career-high five full innings with three strikeouts and three earned runs allowed.
-The RHP closed game two at New Mexico, throwing 3 full innings, striking out a trio of Lobos, and not surrendering a run or a hit.
-Smelcer started his third game of 2025 in a midweek win, 9-4, over Wright State. He opened with three Ks and two earned runs allowed in 2.1 IP.
- He took his second start of the season in the rubber match 14-9 win against MW opponent, Washington State. He went 1.1 innings with one K and three earned runs given up off six hits.
-In the 15-2 run-rule win over South Dakota State, Smelcer made his first start on the mound. He recorded an impressive outing, going four full innings with a career-high six strikeouts.
-The freshman earned his first win at Air Force and improved to 1-3, after defending AF's lead and only allowing one run off three hits.
-His collegiate debut came against No. 10 Florida, where he went 0.2 innings with one K and five runs allowed.
Dilly Day
-Typically, Ethan Dillinger serves as a middle reliever, but he earned the starting Sunday slot for AF.
-Over 28.2 innings pitched, the lefty has collected a trio of starts in 13 total appearances and a record of 0-2.
-Dillinger marks an ERA of 5.97 with 29 strikeouts for a batting average against of .333.
-In MW play, the sophomore has logged a 7.71 ERA with 17 Ks in 18.2 innings pitched.
-His last outing against New Mexico was in game one. He went 0.2 innings and did not surrender a run or hit.
-In his latest appearance, the lefty took a start in game three at Washington State, where he went 3.1 innings on the hill, struck out three Cougars, and allowed six runs.
-Dillinger went a career-high five innings in the rubber match against Nevada. He struck out three and allowed just a pair of runs off five hits.
Zach Leading the Pack
-Zach Peters is currently batting in the lead for the Falcons at .333, a slugging percentage of .573, with an on-base percentage of .416 and has marked a team-high 43 RBIs.
-Peters has notched at least one of every extra-base hit, with a team-high 18 doubles, a triple, and is tied for the most homers, seven.
-The right fielder has marked 74 put outs, 10 assists,
and one double play for a FLD% of .933, while starting 47 of 48 games.
-Peters has recorded 17 multi-hit games and leads the Falcons with 13 multi-RBI games.
-On the base path, Peters is 6-9 in stolen bags.
-Across the previous New Mexico series, Peters scored a pair of runs and recorded two RBIs.
-In his latest outing, the senior picked up six hits in the Washington State series with a trio of both doubles and RBIs.
-The senior went 3-for-4 at Northern Colorado, notching two home runs in a single game for the first time in his career, along with three RBIs and a pair of runs scored.
-Peters picked up six hits in the three-game series against Nevada. He scored six runs for the Falcons and logged a trio of both RBIs and doubles.
-He boasted four RBIs in the series at Fresno State with an RBI double and a homer in the game three 8-3 victory.
-Peters was a force in game three against UNLV, batting 3-for-5 with three runs scored and a trio of RBIs.
-In game two at San Jose State, Peters went 2-for-3 with a double.
-He notched his second career homer in game two at CBU, to help the Falcons hang on to the 4-2 lead they had in the fourth inning.
-Across the Army series, the senior collected 7 hits, with four in game two for a new career high.
-In the same game, Peters tallied two doubles, a triple, and three RBIs, helping to propel AF to a 14-7 victory.
On Deck
Following the series against New Mexico, Air Force will travel to Las Vegas, Nev., to face UNLV in the last regular season series of 2025 from Thursday May 15 – Saturday May 17.
Schedule
Fri: Ceremonial First Pitch, 2:58 p.m.
vs. New Mexico, 3:05 p.m. MT at Erdle Field in USAFA, Colo.,
Sat: Wings of Blue, 12:40 p.m.
Ceremonial First Pitch, 12:58 p.m.
vs. New Mexico, 1:05 p.m. MT at Erdle Field in USAFA, Colo.,
Sun: Senior Day Presentation, 11:35 a.m.
vs. New Mexico, 12:05 p.m. MT at Erdle Field in USAFA, Colo.,
Baseball Super Fan Weekend
Air Force baseball is hosting their inaugural Super Fan Weekend at Erdle Field during the series against New Mexico. The weekend's events are presented by Steward Remodeling and Groundworks.
Erdle Field
With the anticipation of great crowds during the 2025 Air Force baseball season, fans are encouraged to bring a folding chair to enjoy the game from the third base line, and other areas around Erdle Field, when the first base bleachers reach capacity.
Base Access
The U.S. Air Force Academy processes to access the installation continue to affect athletic events. While the installation remains open, if you do not have a DoD ID card you will need to obtain a pass to enter the base. Ticket holders wishing to attend can request a base pass by using this link for each game. Once you register, you will receive a message with a QR code on your phone to present at the gate when entering the Academy. Fans will present game tickets (if needed) when entering each venue. All ticketed/credentialed attendees will need to enter through the North Gate only to get to the Cadet Field House.
Broadcast Information
Live Stream: Mountain West Network
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
Twitter: @AF_Baseball
Series History
-The first official meeting between the two programs took place on March 2, 1957 and ended with an Air Force win, 8-7 at USAFA.
-Overall, the Lobos hold a winning 155-61 record over Air Force.
-Over time, New Mexico has outscored Air Force, 2,324-1,378.
-Last season, the teams met for one Mountain West series which the Falcons took 2-1 (12-3, 5-6, 18-7 (7 Inn.))
-The two programs have played a three-game series in 2025, with UNM taking the series 2-1 (4-7, 7-12, 7-1).
-The Falcons came back to win game three on Sunday March 30, 7-1. Across that game, Patrick Davidson held the Lobos scoreless through the 5.2 innings he pitched, while Luke Elmore went 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs.
Pitching Probables (2025 Stats)
Fri: RHP Easton Miller (9.11 ERA, 1-4) vs. LHP Daxton Purser (6.79 ERA, 3-3)
Sat: RHP Cranz Smelcer (7.42 ERA, 2-4) vs. RHP Cristian Mogen (9.24, 2-1)
Sun: LHP Ethan Dillinger (5.97 ERA, 0-2) vs. TBD
Projected Lineup (2025 OPS)
1. R/R, Chase Spencer, CF (.883 OPS)
2. R/R, Walker Zapp, C (1.014 OPS)
3. R/R, Zach Peters, RF (.989 OPS)
4. L/L, Tripp Garrish (.908 OPS)
5. R/R, Christian Taylor, LF (.830 OPS)
6. R/R, Luke Elmore, 1B (.810 OPS)
7. R/R, Alex Adams, 3B (.708 OPS)
8. R/R, T.J. Oster (.732 OPS)
9. R/R, Ben Niednagel, 3B (.742 OPS)
A Look at the Lobos
-New Mexico holds an overall record of 28-18 with a Mountain West record of 15-9.
-On the road, the Lobos have a losing record of 8-11 on the season.
-The team leads the Mountain West in multiple batting categories: batting average: .341, slugging percentage: 575, on-base percentage: .432 runs scored: 438, hits: 563, RBIs: 408, doubles: 127, home runs: 78, total bases: 950, and plate appearances: 1981.
-So far this season, New Mexico has outscored opponents, 438-393.
-The Lobos pitching staff has collected a combined ERA of 8.18 and 354 strikeouts across 391.2 innings and lead the MW in saves (13).
-In league play, Lobo infielder Ethan Ott ranks first in slugging percentage (.892), on-base percentage (.527), and home runs (10).
Freshman Friday
-Easton Miller is slated to take the Friday start against New Mexico, for his fifth start of the season and 19th appearance.
-Miller holds an overall ERA of 9.11 with a record of 1-4.
-Across the season, the RHP has totaled 21 strikeouts, and 27 earned runs allowed in 26.2 innings for a batting average against of .282.
-The freshman has collected six MW strikeouts in 8.2 innings for a record of 0-2 in conference play.
-Last time against UNM, Rhyne entered as a reliever in the game three 7-1 win, throwing one strikeout and allowing no runs or hits in 2.1 innings.
-Most recently, Miller appeared in relief for one out in the first game at Washington State.
-The RHP claimed his first career win in a midweek 9-4 victory at Wright State. Miller through 2.2 innings in relief with his career-high three Ks and one run off one hit.
Saturday Smelcer
-Cranz Smelcer has worked his way from reliever to taking multiple starts for the Falcons.
-Overall, the freshman has the third-most appearances for an (16) for an Air Force pitcher and has a team third-best 33 Ks, along with an overall ERA of 7.42 across 47.1 IP.
-In MW play, Smelcer holds an ERA of 5.61 with 16 strikeouts, and 21 earned runs off 41 hits allowed, in 33.2 innings, the most conference innings pitched by a Falcon.
-Most recently, Smelcer took the game two start at Washington State and threw seven scoreless innings (7.2 total) with only two earned runs allowed.
-The righty started game two against Nevada, where he recorded one K in four IP.
-At Fresno State, Smelcer picked up a new career-high 6.2 innings pitched and logged a pair of strikeouts while giving up five runs.
-Smelcer started the game two 6-4 win over UNLV. He threw 4.2 innings with four Ks and two earned runs.
-In the 18-8 run-rule win against San Diego State, Smelcer threw a career-high five full innings with three strikeouts and three earned runs allowed.
-The RHP closed game two at New Mexico, throwing 3 full innings, striking out a trio of Lobos, and not surrendering a run or a hit.
-Smelcer started his third game of 2025 in a midweek win, 9-4, over Wright State. He opened with three Ks and two earned runs allowed in 2.1 IP.
- He took his second start of the season in the rubber match 14-9 win against MW opponent, Washington State. He went 1.1 innings with one K and three earned runs given up off six hits.
-In the 15-2 run-rule win over South Dakota State, Smelcer made his first start on the mound. He recorded an impressive outing, going four full innings with a career-high six strikeouts.
-The freshman earned his first win at Air Force and improved to 1-3, after defending AF's lead and only allowing one run off three hits.
-His collegiate debut came against No. 10 Florida, where he went 0.2 innings with one K and five runs allowed.
Dilly Day
-Typically, Ethan Dillinger serves as a middle reliever, but he earned the starting Sunday slot for AF.
-Over 28.2 innings pitched, the lefty has collected a trio of starts in 13 total appearances and a record of 0-2.
-Dillinger marks an ERA of 5.97 with 29 strikeouts for a batting average against of .333.
-In MW play, the sophomore has logged a 7.71 ERA with 17 Ks in 18.2 innings pitched.
-His last outing against New Mexico was in game one. He went 0.2 innings and did not surrender a run or hit.
-In his latest appearance, the lefty took a start in game three at Washington State, where he went 3.1 innings on the hill, struck out three Cougars, and allowed six runs.
-Dillinger went a career-high five innings in the rubber match against Nevada. He struck out three and allowed just a pair of runs off five hits.
Zach Leading the Pack
-Zach Peters is currently batting in the lead for the Falcons at .333, a slugging percentage of .573, with an on-base percentage of .416 and has marked a team-high 43 RBIs.
-Peters has notched at least one of every extra-base hit, with a team-high 18 doubles, a triple, and is tied for the most homers, seven.
-The right fielder has marked 74 put outs, 10 assists,
and one double play for a FLD% of .933, while starting 47 of 48 games.
-Peters has recorded 17 multi-hit games and leads the Falcons with 13 multi-RBI games.
-On the base path, Peters is 6-9 in stolen bags.
-Across the previous New Mexico series, Peters scored a pair of runs and recorded two RBIs.
-In his latest outing, the senior picked up six hits in the Washington State series with a trio of both doubles and RBIs.
-The senior went 3-for-4 at Northern Colorado, notching two home runs in a single game for the first time in his career, along with three RBIs and a pair of runs scored.
-Peters picked up six hits in the three-game series against Nevada. He scored six runs for the Falcons and logged a trio of both RBIs and doubles.
-He boasted four RBIs in the series at Fresno State with an RBI double and a homer in the game three 8-3 victory.
-Peters was a force in game three against UNLV, batting 3-for-5 with three runs scored and a trio of RBIs.
-In game two at San Jose State, Peters went 2-for-3 with a double.
-He notched his second career homer in game two at CBU, to help the Falcons hang on to the 4-2 lead they had in the fourth inning.
-Across the Army series, the senior collected 7 hits, with four in game two for a new career high.
-In the same game, Peters tallied two doubles, a triple, and three RBIs, helping to propel AF to a 14-7 victory.
On Deck
Following the series against New Mexico, Air Force will travel to Las Vegas, Nev., to face UNLV in the last regular season series of 2025 from Thursday May 15 – Saturday May 17.
Players Mentioned
IF
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RHP
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LHP
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OF
/ Baseball
OF
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RHP
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IF
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IF
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UT/RHP
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RHP
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OF/RHP
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UT
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C
/ BaseballFalcons win on senior day over New Mexico
Sunday, May 11
Lobos top Falcons to even series
Saturday, May 10
Falcons big 8th inning leads to win over Lobos
Friday, May 09
Falcons fall in series finale to Nevada
Sunday, April 27
