By Georgia Blair — Staff Writer
San Jose State (16-15, 10-4 MW) managed to clinch the series win over the University of New Mexico (15-16, 6-8 MW) in an 8-3 performance.
Three Spartans had multi-hit games as the offense exploded for eight runs.
“Offensively we found something and were able to give our pitchers some run support,” head coach Brad Sanfilippo said. “We are really lucky with the group of guys we have, our starters and our bullpen.”
New Mexico scored two runs early on but SJSU worked quickly to erase the lead.
Kellen Strahm was the first to strike in the three-run third. The junior singled up the middle and then came around to score after the Lobo catcher tried to pick him off at third, but a ricochet off the center fielder’s body allowed him to cross home plate.
Junior Troy Viola also contributed with a single up the middle which gave the Spartans some breathing room at 4-2.
Junior first basemen Nick Knecht had three RBI’s on the day with his first coming in the fourth inning after a Toi Moyer double.
“It’s been a little tough on me and I have been trying to have a little more fun in the box and today it worked out for me,” Knecht said. “We are trying to make a statement back here at home and it’s an important game tomorrow.”
Knecht had a two-RBI single in the seventh to further extend the Spartan lead.
Tevin Cadola improved to 5-0 on the season after five innings of work allowing just two runs.
“Conference wins are always nice and if I can put my team in the best position to win, that’s what I aim to do every start.” the senior said. “I trust my defense always no matter what and when you have run support, it’s easy to just come out and throw strikes.”
Wesley Clawson and Nicholas Morales teamed up to complete the last four innings of the game. Morales allowed only one hit and one run and Clawson closed out the game.
Connor Konishi contributed four hits to the Spartans 12 hit total.
“We needed to bring a lot of energy this weekend,” the sophomore right fielder said. “As many Mountain West wins as we can get. This weekend is huge.”
The Spartans are set for Game 3 of the series at Excite Ballpark on Sunday at 12 p.m. They will be looking for the sweep with freshman Jonathan Clark being handed the ball for the start.
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