By Haddy Barghouti (@HaddyBarghouti) – Spear Reporter | Junior Drew Giannini gets ready to swing the bat during SJSU’s 7-2 win over USF. (Photo by Abby Westrope – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State baseball (8-4) narrowly fell to Saint-Mary’s (9-4) 5-4 on Tuesday.
The Spartans were down 4-3 heading into the eighth inning. But they found their equalizer, tying the game 4-4 heading into the top of the ninth. The Spartans needed a quick three outs, but Saint Mary’s closed the game with a walkoff home run.
The Spartans found themselves down early, as the Gaels took the early 1-0 lead in the second inning.
SJSU quickly had an answer on offense, scoring two runs in the third inning.
Saint Mary’s gained momentum back, scoring two runs in the fifth inning. Offense started to click for both teams, as they both scored a run in the sixth.
Spartans infielder Zach Chamizo led the offense with two runs and two RBIs. Infielder Zach Tallerman was also an offensive factor, scoring three runs and recording two hits.
Despite the loss, the Spartans kept up with the Gaels’ offense, as both teams recorded eight hits on the afternoon.
“(It was a) back and forth game, I thought we did some things well and I thought we left some opportunities on the field that would have allowed us to have a better chance to win,” SJSU baseball head coach Brad Sanfilippo said.
The Spartans allowed two home runs, which helped the Gaels’ offense stay in rhythm.
The Gaels struck out the Spartans 11 times, and the Spartans struck out the Gaels just one time.
The Spartans have now lost back-to-back games for the first time this season.
SJSU will head back home to face Utah in a three-game series.
“Some lessons to be learned today about dropping this one and we’ll move on,” Sanfilippo said.
