By Ryan Vermont
The Spartans did exactly what they needed to do to open up this pivotal road conference series — control the game from start to finish, beating Fresno State 6-3
San Jose State scored five of those runs in the first inning, highlighted by junior Shane Timmons’ sixth home run of the season to give starter junior Matt Brown more than enough run support.
Timmons’ opening-frame, 2-run shot careened off of the left field scoreboard. Junior David Campbell and freshman Johnny Mendoza also had RBI knocks in the first. A balk from Bulldogs pitcher Edgar Gonzalez added another run, giving the Spartans a 5-0 lead before Fresno State even had a chance to bat.
Brown pitched seven strong innings, striking out nine, walking five while holding the Bulldogs to just three runs on five hits. All of the runs were scored in the first five innings as Brown began to cruise in the middle innings, retiring seven straight to end his outing.
Senior Zach Tanner took the mound in the eighth with the three-run lead. The transition from starter to bullpen has been a back-breaker for the Spartans so head coach Jason Hawkins was surely hoping for a change of fate.
Tanner gave his first year coach just that.
The sidearmer faced the minimum six batters in his two innings of work, and was rewarded with his first save of the season for his efforts.
SJSU’s only other run came courtesy of sophomore shortstop Aaron Pleschner. The Spartans’ 2-hole hitter slapped a soft grounder to FSU’s third baseman Jesse Medrano who charged the ball and missed the bare-handed attempt.
Mendoza scored while the play that was officially recorded an infield single.
This game, this series and pretty much every game left this season is and will be crucial for the Spartans. Even with the win, they are slotted in sixth in the seven-team conference.
If the team can string a few wins together, there is still time to get into the top-4.
First pitch for tomorrow’s game is again scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
