By Briannah McGee – Spear Reporter | Senior Outfielder, Alex Fernandes at bat for the Spartans (photo by Matt Meyer – The Spear)
San Jose State baseball (12-15, 3-3 MW) closed out its series against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (17-11, 2-4 MW) with a strong 18-8 win at Earl E. Wilson Stadium in Las Vegas, avoiding a sweep after dropping the first two games of the weekend.
The Spartans responded with an explosive offensive performance, breaking the game open with seven runs in the sixth inning and adding six more in the seventh to take full control.
Graduate student outfielder Brent Cota led the charge, going 4-for-5 with a double, a home run, and six RBIs in a standout performance.
Cota currently leads the team with 21 RBIs this season.
Redshirt junior infielder Dylan Jackson also had a big impact, finishing 2-for-4 with a double, a home run, and a career-high five RBIs.
Senior outfielder Jake McCoy contributed to the power surge as well, going 2-for-5 with a home run.
The Spartans’ ability to string together hits and capitalize on key moments made the difference, especially after struggling in the first two games of the series.
Despite the earlier losses, the dominant win gives SJSU momentum heading into its next game.
The starting senior pitcher, Dylan Smith, delivered a solid outing, going five innings while allowing seven hits and four earned runs.
Smith did not issue any walks and recorded five strikeouts, showing good control throughout his appearance.
Of the hits allowed, two were doubles and two were home runs, which accounted for much of the damage. Smith faced 24 batters and threw 86 pitches before being relieved.
The Spartans will return to action at 6 p.m. tomorrow against Santa Clara at Stephen Schott Stadium.
