LONG BEACH, Calif. – Rohne Klein hit the go-ahead RBI double with two outs in the ninth to lead the San José State baseball team (2-1, 0-0 MW) in a 3-2 win over Long Beach State (1-2, 0-0 Big West) Sunday afternoon from Bohl Diamond at Blair Field in the final game of a three game series.
Trailing 2-1 entering the ninth, San José State delivered in the clutch. After a one-out walk and a fielder’s choice put a runner in scoring position, Rocco Caballero lined a double to left field to tie the game. Moments later, Klein doubled to center to bring home the go-ahead run, giving the Spartans their first lead since the third inning.
Tyler Albanese earned the win in relief, improving to 1-0 on the year. Albanese worked the final 1.2 innings, allowing just one hit and no runs to close out the contest. The Spartans’ pitching staff combined for six strikeouts and held the Beach to two runs.
San José State struck first in the third inning. JC Osorio-Agard and Peyton Rowles recorded back-to-back singles before Alex Fernandes delivered an RBI single to plate the game’s first run. Long Beach State answered with a run in the bottom half of the inning and added another in the fifth to take a 2-1 lead.
The Spartans’ defense proved pivotal throughout the afternoon, turning two double plays and committing no errors.
- The Spartans take the series over the Dirtbags for the first time since 1994
- Jesse Gutierrez earned his first start since returning from injury, pitching two innings, allowing no runs or hits
- Peter Herrick and Luka Pintar made their Spartan debuts on the mound
- Pintar pitched 4.2 innings, striking out four and allowing just one run
- Albanese’s win was the sixth of his career
- Fernandes batted 7-for-11 in the series
UP NEXT: The Spartans will hold their home opener against Cal Poly on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 1:05 p.m. from Excite Ballpark. The game can be watched on Mountain West Network.
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