SAN JOSE, Calif. – After sweeping their opening series of 2019 at Santa Clara, San Jose State baseball was defeated 8-1 in their home opener by the University of the Pacific Tuesday at Municipal Stadium.
Pacific (4-0) used a six-run second inning to take control of the game. The Tigers scored first on a passed ball and added three more runs on singles by Grant Mona and Brad Jekich. A hit by pitch and another passed ball gave Pacific a 6-0 lead at the end of the frame. The Tigers finished the inning with five hits and left three on base.
SJSU starting RHP Chandler Giles (0-1), making his collegiate debut, was responsible for all six runs in the inning and was charged with the loss. He was lifted with two outs in the inning for fellow freshman Jonathan Clark.
Clark, a product of Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, was rock solid in his debut allowing just one hit and two walks in 4.1 innings of work. He also struck out six batters.
The Spartans (3-1) finally got on the scoreboard in the fourth inning as James Shimashita notched his Mountain West-leading 10th RBI of the early season on a fielder's choice that plated Kellen Strahm.
Pacific added two more runs in the seventh on an error at second base and another RBI single by Mona.
Mona finished 2-for-4 with two RBI while James Free and Carter Hayes each had laced a pair of hits.
Kellen Strahm led the Spartans' offense with another 3-hit performance while Aaron Pleschner and freshman Brandon Peterson, making his collegiate debut, each finished with two hits.
Tigers' reliever Joe Standley (1-0) earned the win after 3.0 innings of work with two hits allowed and three strikeouts. Pacific used three pitchers while the Spartans dipped into the bullpen four times.
SJSU will now turn their attention to their first home weekend series of the season as the host UC Riverside for a three-game set beginning Friday at 6:00 p.m. at Municipal Stadium.
