Kearney, Neb. – Junior lefty Edgar Vela threw 6.2 strong innings and the New Mexico Highlands baseball team had 16 hits to salvage the last game of the series with Nebraska-Kearney, 7-1, Sunday afternoon at Memorial Field.

With the win, the Cowboys improve to 20-24 (14-21 RMAC) while the Lopers (30-13, 25-9 RMAC) see a four-game win streak come to an end.

Winning his second game this spring, Vela walked one, gave up just five hits and coaxed the Lopers to fly out 13 times. Finally, he got out of a bases loaded jam in the third with one of his three strikeouts.

UNK loaded the bases again in the seventh but right hander Xavier Tavorn got a fly out to get out of the inning. On the day, the Lopers had only five hits but left 10 on base.

All nine Cowboy starters had at least one hit with second baseman Ben Swisher going 4 for 5 and shortstop Thomas King going 2 for 3 with two RBI's from the nine hole.

For UNK, senior 2b Jordan Mitchelhill (Australia) went 2 for 4 from the leadoff spot and junior lefty Mike Loseke (Arvada, Colo.) struck out five and walked none in a season-high 7.1 innings.

The Lopers close out the regular season next Friday and Saturday when Regis comes to town. The series is moved up a day to allow teams to get ready for the RMAC Tournament the following week.