By Brianna Huffmaster (@bhuffmaster2024) – Spear Reporter
Micky Thompson walking off the mound after ending the inning. | Photo by Nick Orozco – The Spear
San Jose State baseball (7-12, 3-5 MW) won 4-2 against Mountain West rival Fresno State (13-5, 3-2 MW) on Saturday at Excite Ballpark.
Everything went well for the Spartans – offense, defense and pitching. The star of the game was starting pitcher Micky Thompson. He pitched seven shutout innings with five strikeouts. It was his first win of the season.
The pitching this season has been up and down for the Spartans. Thompson’s performance brought in good momentum for the team, which also showed with the bats.
Third baseman Dalton Bowling went 4-4 with a huge two-run homer in the first inning and three singles. Bowling’s home run count at SJSU is now at 30 and counting, which is five behind first baseman Hunter Dorraugh, who is SJSU’s all-time home run leader.
“Micky and Dalton both gave performances today that led us to this win,” SJSU head coach Brad Sanfilippo said. “It is nice to get a win.”
The other two runs came through RBIs from center fielder Sebastian Orduno and catcher Matt Spear in the seventh inning.
Defensively, shortstop Theo Hardy made two big plays that helped Thompson get out of potential jams. Seven Fresno State runners were left on base.
In order to win big games against rival opponents, everything has to work together at the right time. Despite what the record says, the Spartans had an all-around team effort and proved that they can bounce back from adversity.
“Getting the win today will allow us to relax a little bit,” Sanfilippo said. “I think we’ll come out with some energy tomorrow. Fresno State is really good, so it will be a tough Mountain West Sunday.”
SJSU baseball looks to keep this momentum going and win the series matchup. The rubber match is set for 12:05 p.m. on Sunday at Excite Ballpark.
