MAR 30 – The Spartans (16-9, 4-2 MW) hosted longtime rivals Fresno State(10-14, 3-3 MW) this weekend at Excite Ballpark in the first meeting of the season between the two programs. The last time these two teams met was in last year’s championship series, where Fresno State won both games to clinch their 2nd MW title, and first since 2019. The Spartans come off last weekend’s sweep of Air Force having won and lost a game in their midweek matchups against Pacific and #20 Stanford respectively.
The first game of the series didn’t go as planned for SJSU, as the game was over in the 8th due to the mercy rule.
- In the 13-3 loss, Nolan George (3-4) gave up 6 earned runs on 10 hits through 4.0 IP. Cade Cushing, Luca Staiano, Hunter Hanes and Joey Cammarata all came together in relief for the remaining 4.0 IP, totaling 4 earned runs on 7 hits.
Kyle Calzadiaz looked to turn the tide for the Spartans in the second game of the series on Saturday. This he did, as did opposing pitcher Aidan Cremarosa, who gave up just one run in 7.0 IP. Both pitcher’s efforts made for a fast-paced defensive battle in the first seven innings. It was Fresno State who struck first in the top of the 8th, scoring a single run to break the scoreless tie. However, a 2-out rally in the bottom half of the same inning started by Jake McCoy and Alex Fernandes led to a 1-1 score. It was then that Antonio Nanez delivered the go-ahead run with an RBI single to score Fernandes.
- Tyler Albanese came in for the last inning and shut the door, notching his fourth of the season.
- Calzadiaz pitched a shutout in 6 ⅓ innings of work, striking out 6 and allowing just 3 walks.
- EJ McGrew came in to relieve Calzadiaz, coming away with his fourth win on the season while allowing just 2 hits.
The third and final game then became a textbook rubber match. Much like Saturday’s contest, it was a pitcher’s duel through the first six innings. When Fresno State plated one run in the top of the 7th to take a 1-0 lead. The Spartans responded immediately with two of their own. Unfortunately, Fresno State scored 3 runs in a 2-out rally in the top of the 9th to notch a comeback victory.
- Win Scott pitched 7 innings, allowing just 2 hits and striking out 3.
- McCoy came through yet again, going 1-3 with an RBI single in the 8th to tie the game.
- Zach Tallerman also went 1-3 with an RBI triple in the 8th to give SJSU the lead at the time.
The Bulldogs take the first series of the regular season between the two. The two programs will meet again in early May. SJSU moves to 17-11, and 5-4 in conference play. The Spartans will travel to Stockton to play the University of Pacific on Tuesday, April 1st at 6:05 PM. Their next conference series will be in Pullman, Washington as they take on the Washington State Cougars.
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