Smith Deals Seven Solid Innings, but Spartans Fall Late at Air ForceSmith Deals Seven Solid Innings, but Spartans Fall Late at Air Force

Smith Deals Seven Solid Innings, but Spartans Fall Late at Air Force

Box Score

USAFA, Colo. –  Dylan Smith pitched a season-high seven innings, striking out six and allowing just four runs to lead the San José State baseball team (17-24, 5-10 MW) in an 11-5 loss to Air Force (21-20, 12-6 MW) Sunday afternoon from Erdle Field in the final game of a three game series.

The Spartans  were held quiet through the first five innings before breaking through with a four-run sixth. Rohne Klein ignited the rally with a single, and after JC Osorio-Agard doubled to put two in scoring position, Brent Cota drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly. The big blow came moments later when Alex Fernandes laced a bases-clearing double to left-center, giving San José State a 4–3 lead. SJSU added another run in the seventh on a wild pitch, extending the advantage to 5–3.

In the bottom of the eighth, Air Force recorded eight runs on five hits, capitalizing on a Spartan defensive error and a three-run homer. The Falcons sent 13 batters to the plate in the frame, turning a two-run deficit into a commanding 11–5 lead. The Spartans were unable to respond in the ninth, sealing the 11–5 final.

From the mound, Smith kept Air Force largely in check after an early three-run deficit. EJ McGrew (1-2) received the loss. Kyle Calzadiaz also made a brief appearance. 

At the plate, Fernandes led the Spartans with two hits and three RBIs, while Osorio-Agard and Anthony Scheppler each added multi-hit efforts. San José State finished 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position and left 13 men on base.

  • Fernandes tallied his 19th multi-hit game of the season
  • This was also Fernandes’ 11th multi-RBI game of the season and second game with three or more RBIs
  • Rowles’ hit streak concludes at 17 games, but his on base streak improves to 18 games
  • This was Scheppler’s first multi-hit game of the season

UP NEXT: The Spartans will face San Francisco on Tuesday, April 28, at 2 p.m. from Benedetti Diamond. The game can be watched on ESPN+.

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