By Sara Biela (@sarabielaa ):
San Jose State softball will host its first game of the season against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Wednesday afternoon for its final non-conference game on the year.
With the South Campus field still under construction, the Spartans (15-9) will start a four-game home stand at Mission College in neighboring Santa Clara.
SJSU will look to capitalize on the Knights’ (4-9) problem to execute on the road. FDU has just one win on the road and is 1-4 in non-conference play.
Three FDU batters are hitting over .300, with junior catcher Reanna Cervantes leading the way at .368.
Senior designated hitter Jaymee Jackson and freshman pitcher Abby England lead the team with six RBIs apiece.
Although the Knights have a combined .248 BA, the team struggles in the circle with a 5.58 ERA and allows a .341 BA to opponents.
England tops the pitching staff with a 3.56 ERA. She’s pitched 19.2 innings in four showings and has given up 11 runs.
Sophomore Erica Johnson and junior Baylee Ports have the most appearances at seven each. For Johnson, she has granted a team-high 40 runs in 34.2 IP.
The Spartans seek to take advantage of FDU’s high ERA and continue its red hot offensive streak.
Second baseman Cassidy Clark leads the SJSU offense with a .400 BA. The sophomore leads the team with 30 hits at 75 AB.
Junior pitcher Madison Aurin posts a .282 BA with a team-high 27 RBIs and four home runs. First pitch in Santa Clara is at 12 p.m.