By @estradadotc
It took twelve innings, but San Jose State (15-22, 6-1 MW) defeated UC Riverside (15-18) by a score of 5-3.
The story of the game was Spartan pitching. SJSU only used two pitchers and that’s all they would need.
Southpaw junior Andrew Mitchel went eight strong allowing three runs, two earned, while striking out 11 and only walking one. His 112 pitch performance ended in a no-decision.
Fineas Del-Bonta Smith relieved Mitchel for the final four innings and was just as dominant on the mound, only allowing a hit and walk while striking out seven to pick up his second win on the year. Combined, SJSU recorded 18 punchouts on the night.
UC Riverside used seven relievers after freshman Cole Percival matched Mitchel with seven innings,only allowing two runs and striking out five.
An error by first baseman Brett Bautista allowed the Highlanders to get on the board first.
Shane Timmons tied the game at one with his sixth home run on the season. This put Timmons in second for all-time SJSU home runs with 24.
After the Spartans took the lead in the fifth, UCR answered back with a 2-out, 2-run single by outfielder Matt Hardy giving the Highlanders a 3-2 lead.
Kyle Morrison knocked in the tying run with an infield hit scoring Bautista knotting the game at three in the eighth.
The game remained tied until the 12th inning, when SJSU finally broke through scoring two runs.
Kellen Strahm hit the go-ahead single knocking in Bautista. Timmons provided some insurance knocking in Strahm on a triple into the left-center field gap.
Del-Bonta Smith induced a game-ending double play and the Spartans survived the three-hour 30 minute 12 inning ball game.
SJSU will look to secure a series victory against the Highlanders on Sunday with first pitch scheduled for 1pm.