By Sergio Valencia:
San Jose State opened conference play with a win over the University of Nevada behind Mountain West Player of the Week pitcher Katelyn Linford.
Linford put on a show last night, striking out 11 of 23 batters and allowing just one hit after throwing yet another complete game. She improved her record to 12-2 after defeating the Wolf Pack 2-0. With the 12th win, she has surpassed her career high and is now tied for first in the conference.
The win extends the Spartans’ (18-9) winning streak to eight, their longest such streak since the 2012-2013 season when they won nine in a row.
The Spartans did have their fair share of struggles offensively, managing just two runs off eight hits.
Sophomore first baseman Madison Aurin finished 2-3 and picked up her 14th RBI of the year in the third inning, knocking in what would be the game-winning run. The RBI tied her for most on the team with outfielder Casey Watt.
Later in the game, junior third baseman Emma Entzminger doubled in another run and also finished 2-3.
Nevada’s ace McKenna Isenberg threw one of her best games of the season, giving up just one earned run in her six innings of work. Her seven strikeouts boosted her to second in the MW behind only Linford’s 101.
Outfielder Aaliyah Gibson got the only hit for the Wolf Pack, a single in the first inning. Her 27 hits lead Nevada’s squad.
The Spartans will see if they can continue their run of success as they face off against Nevada once again this afternoon.
First pitch is at 12 p.m.
