SAN JOSE, Calif. – Neil Jansen had the big hit of the game with his first career grand slam, and Jake McCoy tied his career-high with three hits to lead the San José State baseball team (12-8, 1-2 MW) in a 9-4 win over Portland (6-15, 0-0 WCC) at Excite Ballpark on Wednesday, March 19 in a midweek matchup.
San José State came out strong, scoring two runs in the first inning, led by Jake McCoy’s RBI single. McCoy stood out, going 3-for-5 at the plate with three RBIs. Neil Jansen delivered the biggest hit of the game with his first career grand slam home run in the fifth inning, cementing the Spartans' lead.
On the mound, Luca Staiano (1-1) earned the win, throwing four innings of shutout baseball, allowing just two hits and striking out two. Timmy Reeve and Brady Pavlovsky closed out the game, securing the win despite late runs from Portland.
Portland struggled to generate offense early but managed to push across four late runs, including a two-run homer from Henry Muench in the seventh inning.
Game Highlights:
- Jake McCoy: 3-for-5, 3 RBIs
- McCoy tied his career highs with three hits and three RBIs.
- He has five multi-hit games this season.
- Neil Jansen: 2-for-4, HR, 5 RBIs
- Jansen's grand slam was the first of his career as well as the first round-tripper of his career.
- Jansen also set a new career high with his five RBIs
- Alex Fernandes: 1-for-4, one run scored
- With his hit, Fernandes has now reached base safely in 12 consecutive games
- Luca Staiano (W, 1-1): 4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 K
UP NEXT: The Spartans will begin Mountain West play as they host Air Force for a three-game series on Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 23 at Excite Ballpark. Game one first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. PT. The game can be streamed live on Mountain West Network.
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