By Aaliyah Stuart – Spear Reporter (liyas.flix)| Sophomore infielder Gigi Ortega celebrates on third base after first career triple (Photo by Max Garcia – Spear Photographer)
Spirts were high as San Jose State softball (14-29, 6-14 MW) took on the University of New Mexico (22-23, 9-10 MW) in their final home series of the season, starting the weekend strong, securing an 8-2 win.
SJSU caught New Mexico off guard and opened up the first inning with a hitting rally, going through their entire lineup.
Freshman utility player Leata Sherlin broke things open for the Spartans with a single to bring in their first run. The Spartans tallied up four runs and two hits to end the first inning. Lead off, freshman outfielder Sophia Burdick extended her perfect game streak with a walk.
“We’re to the point in the season where they [know they] got to compete every day. I tell them, have the energy, build on each other,” SJSU head coach Tammy Lohmann said.
Sophomore infielder Gigi Ortega had a strong night offensively, and the Spartans took advantage. Ortega went 3-for-4 from the plate and smashed a triple to bring in the Spartans’ last run of the night, putting them up 8-2. This triple marks the first of Ortega’s career at SJSU.
“I was just looking to help move runners and help my team score, and keep passing the bat so we can keep hitting,” Ortega said.
After a strong first inning, the Spartans went scoreless until the fifth. Junior outfielder Haley Reeve hit a line drive single down the third base line to bring in a run.
The sixth inning saw another rally started by senior infielder Reina Zermeno’s single, followed by Ortega’s triple, the last hit of the night.
SJSU’s defense was on lock, with freshman pitcher Delaney Faus leading the way. Faus tallied six strikeouts and allowed two walks the entire game.
The sixth inning looked worrisome for the Spartans. New Mexico had two big hits on the board, and runners were in scoring position. With an intense at-bat and pressure looming from everywhere, Faus struck out the tying run at the plate. This solidified SJSU’s lead over the Lobos.
“I try my best not to think about it too much. Reina [Zermeno] is a big help every time there are runners on,” Faus said. “She tells me, don’t worry about them, worry about the batter, so only focusing on the count.”
Ortega, SJSU’s third baseman, was on high alert all game in the hot corner. She made a quick play to catch a line drive hit and ran into foul territory to catch a flyball.
SJSU hopes to bring its offensive stride into the next game. The Spartans ended the game with a total of 13 hits, overpowering New Mexico’s five.
The Spartans will continue their home series against the Lobos at 3 p.m on Saturday, April 25, at Spartan Softball Complex.
