By Georgia Blair — Staff Writer
San Jose State baseball (11-7, 5-3 MW) clinched its series against UNLV in a tight contest Saturday by holding onto a one-run lead in the ninth inning to win 6-5.
The Spartans once again had strong offensive and pitching performances to set up a sweep opportunity against a talented Rebels (11-9, 2-3 MW) lineup.
“We have to play with the mindset that we have got something to prove,” said head coach Brad Sanfilippo. “You can’t get (predicted to finish) much lower than seventh.”
After three scoreless frames, the Spartan bats came out in the bottom of the fourth. Junior catcher Johnny Mendoza got the scoring started with a two-run double to right center field.
A couple of batters later, junior infielder Troy Viola doubled to push another run across and made it 3-0.
The Spartans went on to hit four doubles in the game. They scored three more runs in the fifth and one in the sixth, which proved to be enough to edge out the Rebels.
Tevin Cadola (3-0) was credited with the win. The senior righty threw six shutout innings and gave up four runs in the seventh before being replaced by sophomore Wesley Clawson.
“I always have confidence in my offense,” said Cadola. “I just go out there and throw strikes. (The offense) makes my job a lot easier.”
Senior Fineas Del Bonta-Smith found himself in another save situation in the ninth. After giving up a first-pitch solo shot, he successfully shut down the Rebels and earned his fourth save of the season.
The Spartans will look for the series sweep at Municipal Stadium Sunday at 12 p.m.
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