By Sara Biela (@sarabielaa ):
San Jose State softball is eager to reclaim the Mountain West title with its first conference matchup against predicted champions, San Diego State University, in a three-game series this weekend.
After putting up three runs in their win over the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Thursday, the Spartans (16-9) look to continue their offensive groove against SDSU’s pitching.
Marissa Moreno leads the Aztecs (9-17) with 20 starts. The sophomore has a 3.39 ERA, and has allowed 92 hits with 39 strikeouts in 76.1 innings pitched.
Senior Alex Formby posts a team-low 2.13 ERA. In 75.2 IP, she has struck out 54 batters while also keeping her opponents to a .204 batting average.
On offense, SDSU combines for a .226 BA, with junior Katie Byrd leading the way at .325.
The second baseman’s 14 RBIs comes in second behind junior catcher and third baseman Molly Sturdivant’s team-high of 19. Sturdivant also leads the team with four home runs on the year.
A player to watch for the Spartans is their RBI leader, junior Madison Aurin as she leads the team with 27.
If weather isn’t a factor, first pitches for Friday through Sunday are scheduled for 12 p.m. at Mission College.
SDSU leads the all-time series 25-19. However, since SJSU joined the MW conference, the series is split at six games apiece.
First pitch for Friday is set for noon.
