By Max Garcia (@Maxgarci09)-Spear Reporter| Sophomore third basemen Jared Lewis swings the bat before he hits a home run in the 14-5 win against Berkeley April 30. (Photo by Lucas Quick – Spear photographer)
San José State Baseball (22-23, 9-12 MW) came out swinging in a historic 14-5 win over California (18-25, 6-18 ACC).
Four season-high home runs, including an inside-the-park home run from third baseman Jared Lewis, allowed the team to complete their first-ever win over an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) program.
After a scoreless first inning, the Spartans erupted for seven runs in the second, capped by a three-run homer from redshirt senior first baseman Zach Tallerman, who ended the day 2-for-5. The big in
The big inning began when junior designated hitter Jake McCoy responded to a Cal solo home run with one of his own, tying the game and shifting momentum.
“We got production from pretty much everyone in the lineup today. I thought our guys had mature at-bats and put themselves in positions to capitalize,” Head coach Brad Sanfilippo said. “We carried some momentum from Sunday’s game in Albuquerque. Our guys came in confident and used the whole field well.”
Senior Second baseman Antonio Nanez and Lewis added key RBIs, scoring another run due to a Cal throwing error. Senior designated hitter Zach Chamizo smashed an infield single that deflected off the pitcher, bringing in another run.
Tallerman’s blast soon followed, sending the bullpen and dugout into a frenzy.
“We broke through that wall Sunday in New Mexico, and we just came together and played Spartan baseball like we used to. That was one of the best games we’ve had,” Chamizo said.
Chamizo finished 3-for-5 with a homer, two RBIs, and extended his on-base streak to 13 games. It was his team’s 16th multi-hit game and ninth multi-RBI effort. He is also on a seven-game hit streak.
In the fifth inning, Lewis added a two-run homer, his team-best ninth of the season, and finished with a season-high three RBIs, bringing his total to a team-leading 35 RBIs.
Senior right fielder Alex Fernandes collected three hits, driving in a run and scoring twice. Junior shortstop Rocco Caballero also extended his on-base streak to 12 games with a double in the first inning.
Junior starting pitcher Cade Cushing delivered a career-best six innings on the mound, allowing just one run and two hits while earning his first win. Junior pitcher Kyle Calzadiaz came in for the three-inning save, striking out five and shutting the door with authority.
“We just said, ‘Screw it. Play fearless.’ That’s how we were playing when we were 15-4. We got back to that,” Lewis said. “The second half of the season starts now. We’ve got UNLV coming up, and we’re just trying to carry the same energy, play free, don’t overthink.”
With season highs in both home runs and runs scored, the Spartans will host UNLV at Excite Ballpark on Friday.
