Spartans go for sixth straight win in Stockton

By Marissa Scott 

San Jose State baseball looks to extend its longest win streak since 2012 as it travels to Stockton to take on University of the Pacific Tuesday night.

SJSU has been on a hot streak, winning nine of its last 12 games including two walk-off wins in its last three games.

The Spartans (19-22, 9-11 MW) faced the Tigers (17-25, 8-13 WCC) twice last season and split the two games.

Both squads planed to play a game back on March 13, but the contest was postponed because of inclement weather.

Sophomore Josh Zanger (1-2) will start on the mound for the third time this season. In his last start on March 31 against Air Force, the right hander gave up six runs in one frame of work.

With a 15-game hit streak, sophomore center fielder Kellen Strahm has been on fire in his last 30 games.

Strahm leads the team in triples, doubles, walks and stolen bases, and hit both walk-offs over the weekend against New Mexico.

In the same series, the Spartan bullpen allowed only one run in 9.1 innings pitched and struck out six batters. The sweep moved the Spartans in the sixth place spot ahead of the Lobos in Mountain West standings.

Along with SJSU’s sizzling offense and pitching, its defense now leads the nation in double plays per game with 1.17.

Coming off a series win, the Tigers are 6-6 in their last 12 games. Sophomore catcher James Free leads UOP’s offense with a .311 batting average, 26 runs scored and six home runs.

Freshman right hander Hayden Pearce (1-1), who holds a 4.97 ERA, will make the start for the Tigers for the fifth time this season.

The first pitch is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Klein Family Field.

 

Follow Marissa on Twitter @marissascotttt

 

Written by