By Sara Biela (@sarabielaa ):
Eager to get back to winning ways, San Jose State softball will play its first game in the Bay Area against the Santa Clara Broncos Wednesday night.
The Spartans (9-7) look to spoil Santa Clara’s opening night and break a three-game losing streak.
One component to keep in mind is SCU’s fielding percentage. It’s ranked 15th in the nation at .929, with only five errors in nine games.
The problem for the winless Broncos (0-9) is a struggling pitching staff. SJSU’s offense should look to capitalize on the team’s combined 7.34 ERA, while allowing a .342 BA to opponents.
Sophomore second baseman Cassidy Clark leads the Spartans with a .408 BA. She has 20 hits in 16 games.
Junior Madison Aurin follows with a .292 BA and four home runs. Her team-leading 18 RBIs ranks 20th in the nation.
A player in red to keep an eye on is sophomore outfielder Taylor Burns. She leads the offense with a .286 BA.
The Spartan pitching staff will look to hush SCU’s .203 BA. Sophomore Desiree Severance leads the team with a 1.71 ERA in eight appearances.
Freshman Caroline Bowman is 6-0 with a 3.41 ERA. She leads SJSU with 28 strikeouts.
Pitching and offense aren’t there for the Broncos, but defense is. The Spartans have to take advantage of free bases and keep the ball out of the infield.
First pitch in Santa Clara is at 6 p.m.