SAN JOSE, Calif. - Alex Fernandes and Peyton Rowles provided the primary offensive spark for the San José State baseball team (4-10, 0-0 MW), combining for five RBIs in a 13-8 loss to Pitt (11-2, 0-0 ACC) on Saturday afternoon from Excite Ballpark.
After falling behind 1-0, the Spartans exploded for five runs in the bottom of the second inning. The rally was highlighted by Fernandes’ triple to center field that scored two and a fielder's choice RBI by Rowles. However, Pitt reclaimed the lead permanently with a four-run third inning and a three-run fourth inning.
Trailing 13-6 entering the ninth inning, San José State loaded the bases following singles by Mario Ricci and Emmitt Phinney and a walk to Fernandes. Rowles drove a two-run single to right field to cut the deficit, but the comeback ended there.
David Thomas (1-2) started on the mound for the Spartans and went 3.1 IP, while Luka Pintar came in for 5.1 IP of relief to help the bullpen going into the series finale on Sunday.
Top Performers
Fernandes: Reached base three times, finishing 1-for-3 with a two-run triple in the second inning and drawing two walks. It was his first triple of the season, and he leads the team with a .451 batting avg. and a .608 slugging pct.
Rowles: Led the team with three RBIs, including a clutch two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning. He has six RBIs on the season, which is good for third on the team, and his .314 batting avg. is also third on the team.
Alan Ramirez: Doubled in the sixth inning and later scored on a wild pitch.
UP NEXT: The Spartans close out a three-game series with Pitt from Excite Ballpark on Sunday, starting at 12:05 p.m., and it can be seen on the Mountain West Network.
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