LAS CRUCES, N.M. (Interstat) — New Mexico State erased a five-run deficit with five runs in the third inning and held on for a 6-5 victory over Florida International on Friday at Presley Askew Field.

The Aggies, who improved to 18-33, got a two-run double from Boston Vest and an RBI single from Aidan Lombardi during the frame, tying the game at 5-5. Florida International (18-35) had taken an early lead with five runs over the first two innings.

In the seventh, Lombardi scored on a wild pitch to put New Mexico State ahead. The Golden Panthers threatened in the ninth when Cooper Rasmussen hit a two-run inside-the-park homer, but the Aggies closed out the win.

Steve Solorzano and Jonatan Clough each had hits in the third-inning rally. Jack Turner and Dylan Weekly pitched for New Mexico State. George Adams, Bryce Turner, Julian Mlodzinski and Cooper Rasmussen handled pitching duties for Florida International. The teams play again Saturday in the Conference USA series finale.