By Max Garcia (@Maxgarci09)-Spear Reporter| SJSU Right outfielder Alex Fernandez celebrates around the bases after hitting his first home run of the season in the 8-4 win against Pacific on Mar. 25, 2025. (Photo by Lucas Quick – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State baseball (15-9, 4-2 MW) showcased a strong performance, winning 8-4 against the Pacific University Tigers. With the win, the Spartans boast a record of 13-3 at home.
The first inning set the tone for a wild night, filled with aggressive baserunning and back-and-forth high-leverage moments.
The scoring began in the second inning with a solo home run from Jeriah Lewis, his fifth of the season. Lewis finished 1-for-3 at the plate and his blast sparked the Spartans’ offense. Later in the inning, Jake Maroney singled to right-center, driving in a run as Rocco Caballero crossed the plate.
Alex Fernandes added to the home run tally in the bottom of the fourth, launching his first of the season and the Spartans’ 15th overall.
“Man, I was pumped,” Fernandes said. “I just tried to stay in my approach, was looking to hit the ball up the middle, and I caught it out in front, then it left the yard. That felt good.”
After a couple more runs, San Jose State built an 8-0 Jake McCoy contributed to the offensive surge with a two-run double in the sixth inning, further extending the advantage and putting the Spartans in complete control.
But at the top of the fifth, the Pacific was threatened. With the bases loaded and one out, the Tigers had a chance to get on the board, until a slick double play from middle infielders Caballero and Antonio Nanez got the Spartans out of the jam.
“I was fired up,” Luca Staiano said. “Rocco and Tony up the middle, they’re always so solid. There’s so much confidence in those guys from all the pitchers. It’s just nice to see them get to work.”
Staiano earned the win, throwing five innings without allowing a hit. He walked three and struck out two.
The Tigers mounted a late comeback in the seventh and eighth innings, cutting the deficit to four and shifting momentum in their favor. Their dugout came alive, but the Spartans silenced the rally when Tyler Albanese induced a flyout to end the game.
Head coach Brad Sanfilippo acknowledged that the team didn’t finish however they wanted but appreciated the result.
