FRESNO, Calif. – Neil Jansen went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, hitting a double and the game-tying three-run home run to lead the San José State baseball team (16-21, 5-7 MW) in a 6-3 non-conference victory over Fresno State (11-23-1, 1-10-1 MW) Friday night from Pete Beiden Field at Bob Bennett Stadium in the first game of a two game series.
The Spartans fell behind quickly, surrendering two runs in the first inning and another in the third to trail 3–0. Fresno State capitalized on early opportunities with a pair of RBI singles in the opening frame and added a third run on a groundout in the third inning.
San José State responded in the fourth. After putting two runners on, Jansen delivered a three-run homer to left field that erased the deficit and tied things at 3–3.
From there, the Spartans took control. Rohne Klein launched a solo home run in the sixth inning to give SJSU its first lead of the night, and the offense added insurance runs in the seventh when Peyton Rowles lined a two-run single to center, extending the advantage to 6–3.
On the mound, David Thomas received the start, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out three in four innings pitched. The Spartan bullpen combined to hold Fresno State hitless across the final five innings. Luca Staiano (2-1) picked up the win with 1.2 scoreless innings. Peter Herrick bridged the gap with 2.1 shutout frames, and Kyle Calzadiaz slammed the door in the ninth, striking out the side to earn the save, his second of the season.
- Jansen’s home run was his first of the season
- This marked the second time this season Jansen recorded three RBIs in a game
- Klein’s home run was his second of the season
- Klein finished 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI
- Rowles finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs
- Rowles extended his hit streak to 14 games
- This was Rowles’ team leading 16th multi-hit game of the season
- Rowles also now has eight multi-RBI games this season
- The Spartans’ pitching staff combined to strikeout 11 Bulldogs with Thomas, Staiano and Calzadiaz striking out three a piece and Herrick finishing with two
UP NEXT: The Spartans will rematch Fresno State tomorrow, April 17, at 1:05 p.m. in the second of two non-conference games. The game can be watched on Mountain West Network.
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