By Dawson Smith – Spear Reporter– senior outfielder Alex Fernandes running the bases| (Photo courtesy of SJSU Athletics)
San Jose State baseball (18-24, 5-10 MW) demolished the University of San Francisco (20-22,11-7 WCC) 12-0 and even the series with the Dons to 2-2 in a seven-inning mercy rule game.
The Spartans carried over their offensive momentum established in the Air Force series by starting hot, scoring four runs in the first inning.
This early offense gave the pitching staff a much needed cushion, allowing every part of the game to be played with confidence for the Spartans.
SJSU saw good fundamental baseball by the top of the order, setting up utility sophomore Anthony Scheppler’s 2-run home run, his first of his career.
“We had some big swings from Anthony Scheppler and more; it was a big day for us, scoring 12 runs,” head coach Brad Sanfilippo said.
The first inning was just the start for the Spartan offense, which finished with 12 hits, seven walks, and three HBP.
The relentless pressure on the basepaths forced San Francisco’s defense to be in duress, and by putting runners into scoring position the Spartans were able to capitalize on almost every chance they had.
SJSU’s only issue with the offensive performance was the strikeout total, as the Dons’ pitching staff fanned seven batters.
Sophomore pitcher Luka Pintar earned a win with an electric five-inning performance. He allowed seven baserunners but balanced the traffic by striking out seven on 76 pitches.
“Really happy with how we played. Luka Pintar gave us a good start.” Sanfilippo said.
Senior pitcher Cade Cushing and junior pitcher Tyler Albanese both worked one inning of no-run ball, only allowing three baserunners and striking out four.
The efficient work by the pitching staff today allowed for a complete reset of the bullpen to get rest before their end-of-week series, after a hard-fought series in altitude last week.
Freshman standout infielder Peyton Rowles and senior outfielder Alex Fernandes continue to anchor the top of the order for the Spartans.
Fernandes went 1-2 with a home run and a walk and scored three times on top of being hit twice, bringing his average to 399. Rowles went 4-for-5, also scoring three times and driving in one RBI, raising his average to 341.
The Spartans have their final home series of the year starting 6:05 p.m. Friday against Grand Canyon at Excite Ballpark as they make their final push to the Mountain West tournament.
