April 25, 2014
San Diego, Calif. --- One quick play with two out in the bottom of the 11th inning sent San Jose State away shocked and with a 3-2 loss to San Diego State in Mountain West action at Tony Gwynn Stadium on Friday night.
The Spartans (12-30, 6-16 MW) led 2-1 with two out and runners on second and third, when Myles Richard delivered a 1-2 pitch in the dirt passed catcher Kyle Gallegos. SDSU's Tim Zier broke for the plate and tied the game when he slid home just ahead of Gallegos' throw from the backstop. The throw sailed passed Richard toward shortstop, allowing Ty France to scurry home for the game-winning run. A celebratory Aztecs dogpile ensued in front of the visiting dugout.
"I think we lost early in the game when we made little mistakes that added up," said SJSU head coach Dave Nakama. "We didn't execute on a lot of little things. The pitching was fine, and Myles is one strike away. A lot of inexperience showed in this game."
The bottom of the 11th spoiled Matt Lopez's RBI-single in the Spartans' half to give SJSU the 2-1 lead. Jacob Valdez reached on a fielding error by the Aztecs (30-12, 11-8 MW) third baseman to start the frame. Then Matt Carroll hit a bouncing double over the head of the first baseman to set up runners on second and third for Lopez. An intentional walk to Brett Bautista loaded the bases and Alec de Watteville followed with an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play.
The game-winning play also spoiled what perhaps was Kalei Contrades' finest outing of the season. He tossed nine innings, scattered seven hits and allowed one earned run while striking out six. Brad Haynal's seventh homer of the year, a solo shot to left, was Contrades' only blemish.
Michael Cederoth (4-1) entered with two out in the eighth inning and earned the win. He replaced San Diego State's Friday night ace Bubba Derby, who struck out eight, allowed only two hits and one unearned run in 7 2/3 innings.
San Jose State's got its first run in the sixth inning without registering a hit. A walk, an error and two passed balls allowed Jacob Valdez to score.
Jackson Berumen (1-1) walked Zier and France to start the bottom of the 11th and suffered the loss for San Jose State.
The two teams meet again in game two of the series tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. LHP Jonathan Hernandez (0-5, 4.59) will face Aztecs southpaw Mike RoBards (4-3, 4.47).
NOTES: The Spartans have won only one game on a Friday night this season - the season opener against San Diego State at home (2/14)...Jacob Valdez scored the 115th and 116th runs of his career making him 10th all-time in SJSU's record book...SDSU's Michael Cederoth hasn't lost a game since Opening Day (23 appearances) when San Jose State beat him.