March 4, 2014
San Jose, Calif. --- San Jose State took the lead in the first inning, and never relinquished it in a 10-0 win over Saint Mary's in nonconference action at Municipal Stadium on Tuesday night.
Matt Lopez's bases-clearing double in the first, along with a stellar pitching performance by freshman Logan Handzlik (1-0), paced the Spartans for the victory.
"That double by Lopez in the first inning was huge," said San Jose State Dave Nakama. "If we don't score there who knows what it does for our confidence. That's the first time we've led after the first inning all year long."
With a three-run lead Handzlik took over on the mound and struck out a season-high seven batters on the way to his first win as a Spartan. His 7.0 innings is the longest outing for any Spartan starter in 2014. He threw 93 pitches and allowed just three hits.
"Everything was working for me tonight," Handzlik said. "I've been trying to come out a little bit better and stronger in each start. Today I just wanted to give us a chance to get on a roll."
The SJSU offense continued to roll in the third inning when it increased the lead to 7-0 with four runs. Kyle Gallegos had a career-high four hits, and his single through the left side began the rally. Three batters later, Sheldon Daquioag singled with the bases loaded to score Gallegos.
Kalei Contrades, Michael Breen and Tyler Olivet all earned an RBI in the third by taking a bases-loaded walk. Olivet entered the game with a Mountain West leading 10 walks, and saw ball four three times from Gaels (5-7) pitching. He also planted a ball down the right-field line for an RBI-triple in the seventh.
Corbin Burnes (0-1) took the loss for Saint Mary's. He lasted 2.0 innings and gave up seven earned runs on five hits.
"Hitting with bases loaded has been our Achilles heel this year," Nakama said. "So getting those hits tonight was good for our confidence."
San Jose State will take the win into the first game of the Jack Gifford Memorial Tournament against Pacific on Thursday night at Municipal Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.