By Brianna Huffmaster (@bhuffmaster2024) – Spear Reporter
Nathan Cadena swinging the walk-off RBI single in the 10th inning | Photo by Christian Vieyra – The Spear
San Jose State baseball (1-4, 0-0 MW) won 4-3 in an extra inning walk-off fashion against Seattle U (3-3, 0-0 WAC) at Excite Ballpark. It is the team’s first win of the season.
The game ended on an RBI single from Nathan Cadena in the 10th inning.
“I just told myself, ‘I put in all the work to get the job done’,” Cadena said. “Earlier in the game I was trying to do too much, and [in the 10th] I was just trying to put the bat on the ball, swing easy, and I got it done.”
This game also included a record-breaking achievement. Hunter Dorraugh hit a game-tying solo homer in the eighth inning, which makes him the all-time home run leader at SJSU with 27 and counting.
“Anytime you can get into a record book is truly humbling,” Dorraugh said. “I really appreciate the opportunity Coach Flipp has given me to come out, play for him and wear this uniform.”
Though the offense was hot and cold, the Spartans finally found a way to produce runs in big moments.
The game started off strong with a solo shot from Theo Hardy in the first inning. After this, the offense was quiet through four innings, leaving five stranded on base.
The Spartan offense woke up in the sixth inning with Kimo Fukofuka hitting an RBI double to score Dalton Bowling.
Dorraugh’s record breaking home run led the momentum going into Cadena’s walk-off.
“We’ve had some close ones here in the first five games [of the season],” SJSU head coach Brad Sanfilippo said. “It was nice to get over right there, find a hit with the game on the line. Happy that our guys can celebrate a win.”
On the mound, Micky Thompson started the game for SJSU. He gave up three runs, six hits, and threw three strikeouts through five innings. Corey Sanchez and Cade Van Allen came in for relief.
“I told everyone after last night’s game, ‘take a deep breath and relax, and we’re going to get there’,” Sanfilippo said.
SJSU baseball hopes this positive momentum carries into Sunday’s finale against Seattle U scheduled for 12:05 p.m. at Excite Ballpark.