By Hector Roldan (@HectorRSJSU) – Spear Reporter
Senior shortstop Theo Hardy makes a line drive catch and smiles at the runner as he throws him out at second. | Photo by Nick Orozco – The Spear
San Jose State baseball (3-5, 0-0 MW) got its third win over a five game stretch as the Spartans defeated Santa Clara (4-3, 0-0 WCC) 5-2 at home.
SJSU staring pitcher Keaton Chase had a strong outing allowing just one run in five innings on the mound Tuesday. Sophomore pitcher Drew Stapleton picked up his first win of the season after coming in relief for Chase, throwing two shutout innings.
The Spartans were able to capitalize in the bottom of the seventh after leaving the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth.
The game held close at a 1-1 tie heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, where the Spartans started to pour it on the Broncos.
The Spartans scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh thanks to a bases-loaded walk, followed by an RBI-single from senior Sebastian Orduno to make the score 5-1.
Orduno had a good day for the Spartans going 2-2 on the afternoon while collecting that huge RBI in the seventh.
“Our guys are staying strong, we’re just believing in each other any way we can to get a win,” Orduno said. “I haven’t had the best start to the season, but just staying positive and trying anyway I can to get on base and help the team.”
Senior pitcher Cade Van Allen struggled in the top of the ninth after giving up a home run and three hits in the inning. The game ended in dramatic fashion after a fantastic throw from shortstop Theo Hardy to get the runner out at home plate. “I was a little buried by it, but really nice throw and execution,” SJSU head coach Brad Sanfilippo said.
“[Orduno] has done an unbelievable job defensively in center field and is such a big position of both leadership and calling card of your defense and he’s been that,” Sanfilippo said.
The Spartans will face off against UNLV at 3:05 p.m. on Friday in Las Vegas, Nevada as they open up Mountain West play.