By Matt Weiner (@MattWeiner20) – BSB Beat Reporter
Omar Gastelum’s mad dash to center field was the final scene that played out during San Jose State’s 6-5 walk off win against the San Francisco Dons.
He galloped like a gazelle that’s being chased by a lion while having plush green in front of him like Jacoby Jones’ house call during the 2013 Super Bowl.
It was a chaotic last two innings for the Spartans during their comeback win so strap on your seatbelt and grab an oxygen mask. Even if you have the lung capacity of Michael Phelps you’ll still want some help.
The Dons came into the ninth inning with a 5-4 lead over the Spartans after bringing in a run on a sac fly in the top of the eighth to jump ahead.
Pinch hitter James Shimashita rocked the boat right away by sending a double to right center.
This would be the first domino to fall that eventually led to an exhilarating masterpiece of chaos.
Jackson Forbes followed it up by dropping a perfectly executed bunt to move Shimashita over to third.
Runner on third with one out is about as good of a start you can get for any event. Sort of like the baseball equivalent of an amazing Caesar salad.
The stage was then set for Robert Hamchuk to cash in.
His frozen rope to right field guaranteed that the Spartans would be partaking in their first extra innings game of the year. Despite getting stranded, all the momentum swung SJSU’s way.
Darren Jansen came in to pitch the top of the tenth and when the smoke cleared from the molotov cocktails he was sending towards home plate, he struck out the side.
If you’re already tired I highly suggest grabbing the inhaler I mentioned previously.
Jack Colette got things started by sending a ground ball to the second baseman that hit an invisible trampoline in the dirt and rainbowed over his head.
Dons’ pitcher Blake Wittman attempted to pick off Colette at first and ended up sailing the throw putting Colette at second base with no outs.
Brady Hill was next batter due up and dropped a masterfully delicate bunt designed to move Colette over that was eaten by Wittman out of caution.
With runners on the corners and no out, Gastelum cocked back and all you heard was the piercing sound of metal meeting leather.
A moment so sweet it’s worth watching twice.
The Spartans have now tied their win total from last year and it won’t be long until they break it.
