By Georgia Blair — Staff Writer
San Jose State (13-9, 7-4 MW) evened up the series against Fresno State (10-6, 2-3 MW) Saturday with a 2-1 win.
Senior pitcher Tevin Cadola was phenomenal as he threw seven innings of one-run baseball and struck out six batters.
The Spartans were held to just three hits, but FSU errors and walks allowed them to get the edge in the contest.
“Offense is one of those things that can come and go, but if our pitching and defense can remain consistent we will find some success this season,” said head coach Brad Sanfilippo.
The Spartans took the lead early in the second inning on a wild pitch. Junior catcher Johnny Mendoza hustled home to get the Spartans on the board.
Fresno State quickly answered back in the third inning with an RBI single through the left side, off the bat of senior McCarthy Tatum.
The Spartans regained the lead in the fourth after a Nick Knecht bunt and a Bulldog throwing error put the ball into right field, allowing Mendoza to stroll home once again.
Both teams went scoreless through the next five frames and the Spartans sealed the win with another Fineas Del Bonta-Smith save.
The senior was brought into the game in the eighth and earned his fifth save of the season allowing just one hit in two innings of work.
“Tonight’s win is all about Tevin and (Fineas),” Sanfilippo said. “We did not give them the runs they deserved, but the way they pitched and performed was unreal.”
The Spartans return to the diamond for the rubber match on Sunday at 1:05 p.m and will be looking to steal the series from the Bulldogs in enemy territory.
Follow Georgia on Twitter @georgia_r_blair