March 6, 2014
San Jose, Calif. --- Matt Lopez's first-career home run saved San Jose State from being no hit by Pacific on Thursday night at Municipal Stadium. The eighth-inning shot was the only blemish of the night for Pacific's John Haberman (3-0) who guided the Tigers to a 5-1 win.
"You have to tip your cap," said SJSU head coach Dave Nakama. "He got us out of our approach and frustrated us. He did his job and we didn't."
Haberman struck out eight and walked three in the complete-game effort.
The Tigers (8-7) got out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning against Spartans (4-10) starter Michael Wright (0-4). Riley Drongesen and J.J. Wagner drove in the runs, all with two out.
Down 5-0, Lopez led off the eighth inning and broke up the no-hitter on the first pitch he saw - sending a towering shot down the right-field line and over the wall.
Wright threw 6.0 innings giving up five earned runs on eight hits. Ross Slaney came out of the pen and threw three innings of one-hit shutout ball to finish the game.
San Jose State hosts Washington tomorrow in the second game of the Jack Gifford Memorial Tournament held at Muni. Johnny Melero (0-1, 4.60) will face the Huskies' right-hander Tyler Davis (2-1, 2.57). First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.