By Georgia Blair — Staff Writer
San Jose State (12-9, 6-4 MW) issued 13 free bases in its 3-1 loss to Fresno State (10-5, 2-2 MW).
The Spartans dropped the opening game of the conference series after the Bulldogs plated two runs in the bottom of the first and one more in the second. They were held scoreless for the rest of the night.
“It’s a good baseball game on a Friday night,” said head coach Brad Sanfilippo. “It’s kind of what you expect with two good pitchers.”
The Spartans’ lone run came off the bat of freshman outfielder James Shimashita. After junior designated hitter Blake Berry walked and then advanced to second base, Shimashita hit a single up the middle to bring Berry home.
The Spartans could not find a spark with the bats as they were held to just three hits in the contest.
Fresno State’s Ryan Jensen came out on top in this pitchers duel and tossed seven innings of three-hit baseball.
Starting pitcher Andrew Mitchel was charged with the loss. The senior was relieved after four innings of work with 114 pitches and eight walks.
Sophomore Nicholas Morales and senior Zach Wallace combined for four scoreless innings.
“A hit here or there, or a play here or there could have changed the outcome of the game,” Sanfilippo said. “But double-digit walks obviously makes it easier on your opponent. Tip your hat, they got the win tonight, but we get some rest tonight and back at it tomorrow, that’s why we play three games.”
Senior Tevin Cadola will be the Spartan starter for Saturday. Game 2 of the series is slated for 6:05 p.m.
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