By Hannah Hall — Staff Writer
Troy Viola had the hit of the series as he roped a line-drive single into left center that sent in the winning run for San Jose State in walk-off fashion.
The Spartans (5-2) were able to remain resilient through a constant battle against UC Riverside (2-6) to snag the win.
Senior right hander Tevin Cadola started the game and had a nice outing with nine strikeouts in 5.2 innings. Cadola’s performance was essential to the team’s success.
“I like to bring a lot of energy onto the mound,” Cadola said. “The team feeds off it well so it’s a win-win.”
The game turned into a back-and-forth contest with both teams putting up major hits and making big plays.
The Highlanders hit a three-run home run that gave them the lead in the sixth inning, forcing SJSU to fight back offensively.
In the eighth inning, senior right hander Fineas Del Bonta-Smith came onto the mound with runners on second and third. With one out, he struck out the next two hitters to get SJSU out of a potentially-pivotal moment for UCR.
Freshman infielder Nico Malbrough came in clutch for the Spartans as he singled in the tying run to score Viola in the bottom of the eighth.
The two teams battled it out in the ninth inning as the game was tied 4-4.
The Highlanders put two hitters in scoring position, but a clean 6-3 putout ended the offensive threat.
In the bottom of the inning, the Spartans came out with red-hot bats.
Junior outfielder Kellen Strahm got things rolling with a lead-off single followed by a sacrifice bunt by designated hitter Blake Berry that put Strahm in scoring position.
UCR chose to walk junior catcher Johnny Mendoza leaving two hitters on the bases for the Spartans.
Freshman outfielder James Shimashita then loaded the bases with an infield single.
Viola seized the opportunity to clinch the win and the three-game series for SJSU and hit a walk-off single to left center field that would result in a thrilling SJSU 5-4 win.
“I just wanted to be aggressive. The last couple games haven’t been great for me,” Viola said. “I wanted to go up to the plate with a lot with a lot of confidence knowing that I was going to succeed. It’s a huge team effort. It’s not just one person.”
Head coach Brad Sanfilippo felt great about today’s win and how his players worked through adversity to get the win.
“He’s had some big hits for us so far. We know he brings a lot of energy and his work ethic,” Sanfilippo said. “For him to come out here and perform and be clutch for us to win a game is awesome. We’re fired up.”
The Spartans (5-2) will be back at it at Municipal Stadium Tuesday to take on Saint Mary’s at 3 p.m.
Follow Hannah on Twitter @hannah_halll