Spartans split doubleheader in offensive show

By Max Miller — Reporter

After its first win on Friday, the San Jose State softball team split a doubleheader against Saint Mary’s College Sunday. The Spartans won the first game 10-4 and lost the second 7-5.

The SJSU (2-4) offense came alive throughout the day as the team put up a combined 20 hits. Leading the way yet again was junior Alyssa Graham. In the first game, Graham had two doubles, one run scored and four RBIs. She added two more hits during the second game going a combined 4-for-9. 

While trailing 2-0 in the first game the Spartans scored five runs in the top of the third. Three of the five runs scored in the inning came via a three-run home run from junior catcher Arianna Miranda.

Although SMC responded with two runs of its own in the third, SJSU scored three more in the fifth and added two more in the seventh. 

The Gaels would take the final game of the three-game set, but SJSU put up a fight. Sophomore pitcher Jackie Rookaird got the start and struggled. Rookaird only lasted two innings and gave up five runs. The Spartans’ defense did her no favors due to four defensive errors that lead to three unearned runs.

SJSU did not record a hit until Graham singled in the fourth. The Spartans began the sixth inning with one hit and down 7-0, but they made the game interesting with a five-run inning.

Senior infielder Janessa Lozano hit a three-run shot with two outs to left field to cut the deficit to 4. SJSU would add two more runs from a single off the bat of senior infielder Vicky Gutierrez. The comeback fell short as the Spartans couldn’t muster any more runs.

The Spartans will participate in the Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, Calif. next weekend where they will face Loyola Marymount University in a doubleheader that starts at 9:30 a.m. on Friday. On Saturday SJSU takes on Cal State Fullerton in another doubleheader with the first game starting at 4 p.m. 

The Spartans complete their five-game weekend against UCLA on Sunday at noon in L.A.

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