By Nancy Castaneda — Staff Writer
After coming off a perfect 3-0 weekend against the University of New Mexico, San Jose State (17-16, 11-4 MW) was handed a tough non-conference loss against the University of Portland (19-14), 13-2.
The Pilots scored 12 of their 13 runs in the first three innings and went on to extend the Spartans’ non-conference losing streak to 10 games.
“When you’re down nine to nothing after the first two innings, it’s an uphill battle,” said head coach Brad Sanfilippo. “We are missing some guys who could of help us pitch a better game.”
SJSU made its only runs of the game during the bottom of the fourth inning.
Freshman outfielder James Shimashita broke up the shutout with a single to left field and brought freshman infielder Nico Malbrough home. With bases loaded, junior infielder Troy Viola hit a sacrifice fly to right field and scored outfielder Kellen Strahm.
From there, the Spartans held up their defense and pressured the Pilots from scoring any runs for three innings. SJSU had 10 strikeouts and only one error throughout the entire game.
Although there were few errors, the Spartans struggled to find their way back on top and were lacking the right energy.
“After nine runs, it was hard to keep the energy up in the dugout,” Malbrough said. “Normally when we’re winning we are loud in the dugout and have momentum.”
Portland plated one last run in the top of the seventh on a home run from infielder Matt Kelly.
Freshman Ben Polack was the starting pitcher and allowed four runs on four hits. He was then relieved by junior Anders Davidson in the second inning, who gave five runs on four hits.
Sophomore Connor Konishi took the mound for the third and fourth innings, and gave up three runs on four hits and one error.
Seniors Zach Wallace and Fineas Del Bonta-Smith kept the pressure on Portland and tossed three scoreless innings combined.
SJSU continues conference play on the road Friday as it opens up a weekend series against UNLV. First pitch will be thrown at 6:05 p.m.