By Max Garcia (@Maxgarci09)-Spear Reporter| SJSU right-handed pitcher Kyle Calzadiaz on the mound in the 3-9 loss against San Diego State on Apr. 18 (Photo by Christian Vieyra – Executive Editor)
San Jose State Baseball (21-23, 9-12 MW) in a 14-12 shootout win against New Mexico (25-18, 12-9 MW) in the final game of the three-game series, the team survived the sweep after losing two out of the three games.
The past two games in the series have been complete blowouts: the Spartans lost 5-25 on Friday, and Saturday was no different, with a 3-19 loss.
While the winds reached 17-31 mph at Santa Ana Star Field, the Spartans’ offense had over 16 hits, with SJSU center fielder Jeriah Lewis and SJSU catcher Zach Chamizo going three for six at the plate with four RBIs to lead the team to the win.
Lewis ended the day with a double, triple, and a home run. His home run was his eighth of the season, which led the team, and he also led the team with 33 RBIs.
SJSU designated hitter Jake McCoy also hit for his fifth of the season in the second inning, bringing in Chamizo after his double triple run, which brought up the score 6-1.
SJSU shortstop Rocco Caballero also had a good day, going 3-for-5 with two doubles, an RBI, and a walk. He ended the three-game series going 9-for-13.
“We scored four runs, but we were really led by our pitching. They did a great job shutting them down,” said head coach Brad Sanfilippo. “Overall, I’m really happy we were able to bounce back. I’m proud of the effort and excited to keep it going.”
The game was close to the end, and the Spartans needed to survive after the wolves came back, scoring four in the seventh inning. In the ninth, up by only two points, Tyler Albanese struck out three back-to-back Lobo hitters, ending the game.
Pitching did not end the day pretty, but they finished the game strong. SJSU pitcher EJ McGrew got his sixth win. He navigated out of a jam in the middle innings. Albanese had him record his sixth-inning save after striking out four to end the game.
The Spartans will look to face California (18-25, 6-18 ACC) back at home at Excited BallPark on Wednesday, April 30, at 6:05 p.m.
