By Sara Biela @sarabielaa
A two-run inside the park home run from freshman Jacey Phipps broke momentum from another pitchers duel as San Jose State softball completed a three-game sweep over New Mexico, 3-1.
The designated player’s hit helped the Spartans (30-15, 14-6 MW) reach their 30th win on the season and stay undefeated at Spartan Softball Field.
“Chase and I thought she had a better chance against left-handers and it worked out” said head coach Peter Turner. “We got all the breaks today, but good teams win close games.”
Similar to Saturday’s game, it was another battle of the pitchers between UNM’s sophomore Jensen Main and SJSU’s junior Madison Aurin.
The first runs of the game didn’t come until the fourth inning. Phipps broke the silence and gave the Spartans a two-run lead with her home run that also scored freshman left fielder Desiree Reyes.
“I was ready for an outside pitch and tried to sit on it,” said Phipps. “The wind really helped me because I thought the left fielder was going to catch it. I’m not the fastest, so I’m surprised I made it all the way around.”
Sophomore second baseman Cassidy Clark made it 3-0 by reaching on an error from UNM’s sophomore shortstop Cameryn O’Grady.
Since freshman first baseman Andrea Howard did not have her foot on the base, Clark was safe and senior shortstop Emma Entzminger scored on the play.
The Lobos (12-35, 5-13 MW) responded with their first run of the game in the sixth. Junior third baseman Monica Salas doubled in junior center fielder D’Andra DeFlora and made it 3-1.
Thanks to a double play, the Spartans held on to win 3-1 and secured the three-game sweep.
Aurin (14-11) held the Lobos to one run on four hits, while striking out six batters.
“Madison did very well on Friday and today,” said junior catcher Alyssa Avila. “She hit her spots, kept herself dialed in and it worked out.”
SJSU heads on the road for its last conference series of the season to face the Utah State Aggies (17-29, 6-12 MW) next weekend.