By Brianna Huffmaster (@bhuffmaster2024) – Spear Reporter
Pitcher Drew Stapleton on the mound. | Photo by Nick Orozco – The Spear
San Jose State baseball (7-14, 3-6 MW) lost 7-1 in a short roadtrip game against Santa Clara University (12-6, 0-0 WCC) on Tuesday.
The pitching was once again the weak spot for the Spartans with seven pitchers needed to finish the game. SJSU starting pitcher Tyler Albanese day was cut short after pitching 1 1/3 innings following an injury from a comeback hit.
“Little bit of bad luck with Albanese getting hit,” SJSU head coach Brad Sanfilippo said. “He was throwing the ball really well. We got into our bullpen a little earlier than anticipated.”
The fourth inning was when the bats got the hottest for the Broncos. Spartans’ pitchers Casey Spencer, Drew Stapleton and Joey Cammarata gave up a combined six runs.
“It was one inning that stood away from us,” SJSU catcher Matt Spear said. “For these midweek games, the walks and hit-by-pitches hurt us. From a catcher’s perspective, just limit the walks and free bases.”
The lone run for the Spartans was a solo homer from center fielder Jeriah Lewis in the third inning. It was his first home run of the season.
Eight SJSU runners were left on base and the offense couldn’t find ways to produce runs in big moments.
“We just got to know that a 7-1 game isn’t a big deficit to overcome,” Spear said. “The main thing (for the offense) is to limit the strikeouts and with two strikes just try to put the ball in play.”
Coach Sanfilippo hopes that playing an away weekend series will help with the overall energy and mindset.
“I think getting on the road will be good for us,” Sanfilippo said. “Good little reset for everyone.”
SJSU baseball goes on the road for a weekend series against New Mexico in Albuquerque. The three-game series is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Friday at Santa Ana Star Field.