The Fresno State baseball team started off its conference schedule this past weekend a lot like last season – right at .500.

The Diamond ’Dogs split four games with the nationally-ranked New Mexico State Aggies over the weekend to begin Western Athletic Conference play 2-2.

Fresno State won the opener last Friday, 5-4, thanks to a 10th inning, walk-off homer from freshman Dusty Robinson.

The Bulldogs’ bats were silenced on Saturday though as they dropped game two of the series 2-0.

Coach Mike Batesole received outstanding pitching performances over the weekend, which is key since sophomore Jake Floethe went down to undergo Tommy John surgery.

Freshmen Derek Benny and Cody Kendall were both impressive in their starts.

Benny, who tied a school record by facing the minimum number of batters in a game last month, struck out nine batters and didn’t surrender a run on Friday night.

Kendall, in only his second start of the season, picked up the win on Easter Sunday, a 6-5 nail-biter.

The Bulldogs were up 6-2 going into the ninth inning, but New Mexico State made it interesting, scoring three runs in the top of the inning.

Sophomore Gene Escat picked up the save and pitched his way out of a bases-loaded jam for a 6-5 win.

Monday night turned out to be a historic night for Fresno State, but it didn’t end up in a victory.

Junior Tom Mendonca tied the school home run record by blasting two bombs on Monday, but Fresno State failed to hold the lead.

The Bulldogs’ bullpen gave up five runs over the last two innings and the Aggies were able to leave Beiden Field with a 10-6 victory and a four-game split.

Fresno State will now hit the road for nine straight games, including two conference road trips.

The Bulldogs will take on Louisiana Tech this weekend for a four-game series in Ruston, La. and will follow up with a four game set at San Jose State April 24-26.

The next home game for the Diamond ’Dogs won’t be until May 1 when they host the Nevada Wolf Pack.