By Sara Biela
With the Mountain West Conference race closer than ever, it’s a must-win situation for San Jose State softball when it takes on Nevada for its final conference game.
The Spartans (32-16, 16-7 MW) and Wolf Pack (22-24, 9-11 MW) will play the game that was postponed on Apr. 7.
UNR continues to hold the second-best batting average in the MW at .311, with senior Erika Hansen at the top with .386.
The right fielder leads the Wolf Pack in doubles (12), home runs (12), RBIs (47), walks (23) and slugging percentage (.743).
Sophomore left fielder Sadaria McAlister does her job at lead-off with a team-high 36 runs and 55 hits.
SJSU’s combined 3.23 ERA will look to shut down the Wolf Pack lineup. Junior Madison Aurin (16-12) has a 3.11 ERA in 48 appearance and registers a team-high 13 complete games.
Freshman Caroline Bowman (14-2) leads the pitching staff with a 3.05 ERA and 55 strikeouts.
Although it executes in batting, Nevada has some trouble in the circle as the team combines for a 4.06 ERA. Among four pitchers, Julia Jensen takes command with 24 starts in 29 appearances.
Despite the freshman’s 4.21 ERA, she has recorded 15 complete games and 136 strikeouts in 156.1 innings pitched – good for second in the MW.
SJSU will look to use its 24th country-ranked .395 on-base percentage to its advantage. Fortunately, Spartans on base often result in runs as the team is listed 26th in scoring.
Sophomore second baseman Cassidy Clark leads the Spartans with a .378 BA, which is rated 10th in the MW.
Aurin follows in suit with a .331 BA and a team-high and conference-leading 51 RBIs.
The Spartans standing in the MW will be dependent on Tuesday’s game and Boise State losing two of three to New Mexico this weekend. If all goes according to plan, SJSU will reclaim first place.
First pitch in Reno is set for 1 p.m.
Follow Sara on Twitter @sarabielaa
