May 11, 2018
San Jose, Calif. --- A three-run third inning from San Jose State (22-25, 12-12) propelled the Spartans to a 3-2 win over San Diego State (33-16, 15-9) at Tony Gwynn Stadium. The Spartans halted a nine-game skid against the Aztecs stretching back to 2016 with the win Friday night.
The game played Friday night in San Diego was a postponed game from earlier this season due to a rainout. San Jose State acted as the home team.
The Spartans' 12th conference win gives them their most conference victories since 2009.
The Spartans are now in sole possession of third place in the Mountain West. UNLV (12-13) is half a game behind the Spartans, and Air Force (11-13) is a full game back.
The Spartan pitching staff stepped up against an Aztec offense that ranks #13 in the nation in team batting average. San Jose State allowed just two runs to the high-powered offense.
"Jake Swiech got us into the sixth which is huge," said interim head coach Brad Sanfilippo. "We have a four-game series here, and Swiech allowed us not to tax our bullpen too early. Watland came in and did his job. Then Finn shut it down."
Swiech (3-3) allowed just one run in 5.1 innings and had one strikeout to notch his third win of the year. Since April 10, the senior has a 3.80 ERA in 23.2 innings allowing 10 earned runs in the five game span.
Justin Watland struck out three of the six batters he faced before Fineas Del Bonta-Smith closed the game. The junior wrapped things up with three strikeouts and earned his fourth save of the year.
Johnny Mendoza (2-for-3, 2RBI) gave the Spartans the big hit of the game. The sophomore catcher singled to up the middle with one out in the third and drove David Campbell (1-for-4, R, RBI, 2B) and Shane Timmons (0-for-3, R) to home plate for a 3-1 lead.
The Spartans will play a doubleheader tomorrow at Tony Gwynn Stadium with the first game starting at 2:00 p.m. and the second game at 6:00 p.m.