April 19, 2014
San Jose, Calif. --- San Jose State was unable to climb back from an early deficit and fell 11-6 in the Mountain West (MW) series finale against New Mexico on Saturday at Municipal Stadium.
The Lobos (30-11-1, 14-4 MW) scored 10 runs in the first two innings with five in each frame against Spartans starter Logan Handzlik (2-2).
"Let's face it, we were dominated all weekend," said SJSU head coach Dave Nakama. "They hit the ball well and I think we were over matched a little bit this weekend."
San Jose State (12-28, 6-15 MW) responded in the bottom of the first with three runs on five hits to make it 5-3, but the momentum shifted right back when New Mexico put up its second five-spot in the top of the second. Jacob Valdez and Sheldon Daquioag strung together consecutive RBI-singles in the first before Matt Carroll's sacrifice fly made it 5-3.
The Spartans made it 10-4 in the fourth inning when Carroll hit a leadoff double and scored when the next batter, Brett Bautista, singled down the left field line.
Matt Lopez and Matt Carroll hit back-to-back home runs in the Spartans' eighth inning to make it 10-6. The left-handed Lopez yanked one over the wall in right for his second of the year and two pitches later Carroll hit his fourth of the year over the wall in left-center.
The Lobos added another run in the ninth, their first score since the second inning which brought the game to 11-6. Josh Walker (6-2) tossed 7 1/3 innings scattering 11 hits and allowed six runs in the win.
"I think right now these guys are the best in the conference and are playing very well," Nakama said. "We just have to keep getting better every weekend and hope to play well in the (MW) tournament."
San Jose State head out on the road next week for Tuesday night game at #3-Cal Poly before playing a three-game set at San Diego State.