LAS CRUCES, N.M. (Interstat) — Mario Trivella and Marc Hersh each hit two home runs as Florida International defeated New Mexico State 17-12 on Thursday night in a Conference USA game at Presley Askew Field.

Trivella went 3 for 5 with five RBIs, including a three-run homer in the second inning and a two-run shot in the ninth. Hersh finished 2 for 4 with five RBIs, hitting a two-run homer in the third and a three-run homer in the eighth. The Golden Panthers improved to 18-34 overall.

New Mexico State dropped to 17-33 despite 12 hits. Steve Solorzano homered and drove in four runs, and Aidan Taclas also connected for a two-run homer. Boston Vest added a two-run double in the first inning.

Florida International took control early, scoring five runs in the second and two in the third. The Aggies cut the lead with a six-run eighth inning, but Trivella’s ninth-inning blast sealed the win. Preston Prince earned the win in relief. The series continues Friday.