By Mat Bejarano – Spear Editor
Nathan Cadena in batter’s stance preparing to hit. I Photo by Nick Orozco – The Spear
In a story that has been all too familiar for San Jose State baseball (8-19, 4-8 MW) this season, the Spartans pitching once again struggled against U.C. Santa Barbara (15-8, 4-2 BW) losing 9-3 Saturday on the road.
In the top of the sixth inning, SJSU senior outfielder Robert Hamchuk would crush a fastball over the left field fence for his fourth homer of the season cutting the Gauchos’ lead to 3-1.
SJSU starting pitcher Micky Thompson, who was coming off of a loss against New Mexico last week in which he gave up thee runs, came off the mound in the bottom of the sixth inning only allowing three-runs while leaving two batters on base as the Spartans were down 4-1.
Thompson would end his day giving up five earned runs on four hits with four strikeouts and three walks.
“Really good performance today by Micky Thompson today, (he) gave us a great start and offensively (we) didn’t make enough adjustments,” SJSU head coach Brad Sanfilippo said.
The Spartans would go onto to score two more runs in the top of the eight inning to cut the lead 9-3 which included a sacrifice fly by junior shortstop Theo Hardy. Hardy sits second for the Spartans with 20 RBIs this season.
SJSU is schedule to continue its road trip as the Spartans look to get their second win this season over Santa Clara 6 p.m. Tuesday at Stephen Schott Stadium.