By: Briannah McGee – spear staff reporter | Redshirt junior infielder JC Osorio-Agard swings out to center for a base hit against UCONN (photo by spear photographer Alexander Stoev)
San Jose State baseball (17-21, 5-7 MW) took control early and never looked back in a 10-2 win over rivals Fresno State (11-24-1, 1-10-1 MW) at Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium, powered by a standout all-around performance from junior outfielder Alex Fernandes.
Fernandes set the tone in every phase, reaching base five times, scoring four runs and adding both a home run and a double. His impact continued to build throughout the game, including a solo shot late that helped put things completely out of reach.
Behind him, junior infielder Jake McCoy delivered one of the biggest swings of the day with a two-run home run, part of a three-RBI performance that gave SJSU key separation.
On the mound, the Spartans’ pitching staff was just as important. Junior pitcher Caden Duke earned the win in relief as he, along with the bullpen, shut Fresno State down over the final five innings.
After starting pitcher Jesse Gutierrez held the Bulldogs scoreless early, the combined effort limited Fresno State to just six hits and no success with runners in scoring position.
Offensively, SJSU built its lead through depth in the lineup. Sophomore infielder Rocco Caballero got the Spartans started with a two-run single, and junior infielder Rohne Klein and senior catcher Neil Jansen each contributed RBI hits during a decisive stretch that broke the game open.
“Overall, happy with our effort, and we’ll go home and we know we have a tough week ahead of us next week.” SJSU head coach Brad Sanfilippo said. (SJSU Spartans)
The win secured a series sweep for the Spartans and continued their strong results in non-conference matchups against Mountain West opponents.
The Spartans will face Pacific at 6:05 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, from Klein Family Field.
