By Niles Hall | (@n23hall) — Spear Reporter SJSU | junior pitcher Luca Staiano on the mound against the Aztecs on April 19. (Photo by Ethan Ndachi – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State baseball (20-20, 8-10 MW) fell 2-0 to conference rival San Diego State (14-26, 10-8 MW), getting swept in a three-game series on Saturday.
The Aztecs’ win was aided by senior starting pitcher Omar Serrano, who pitched a complete game, allowing just four hits and striking out six batters.
The Spartans’ defense had a solid outing Saturday afternoon, getting out of jams on multiple occasions.
The Aztecs’ runs came in the seventh and ninth innings. The first run came after senior catcher Evan Sipe hit a double to left field, then sophomore infielder Drew Rutter hit an RBI single to center field.
The second run came when a pitch hit sophomore outfielder Zane Kelly. Kelly stole second base, then Kelly advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt and was finally brought home on an RBI single to left field from sophomore infielder Finley Bates.
The Spartans struggled offensively, coming away with four hits and struggling to get base runners on base.
In the wake of the Spartans’ recent offensive struggles, senior infielder Zach Chamizo made his first career start at catcher Saturday afternoon.
“We’re trying to put our best offensive lineup on the field.” SJSU head coach Brad Sanfilippo said.
The Spartans will look to bounce back Tuesday on the road against the University of San Francisco. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.
