By Casey Geier
The Spartans opened up their series against the Grand Canyon University Antelopes with a 9-5 come–from–behind win
After trailing 5-0 after the second inning, San Jose State (16-30-1) starting gaining momentum against GCU (24-24) in the top of the fourth.
SJSU scored three runs, two of which were brought in after a centerfield double by freshman catcher Johnny Mendoza.
Senior catcher Joseph Stefanki had himself one of his best games this season, generating four RBIs on three hits, including a two–run home run in the top of the 6th inning.
The Spartans finished the game with 12 hits compared to the Antelopes eight. GCU also struggled to score with runners in scoring position, leaving nine players on base while the Spartan’s only left five.
The Spartans kept the lead after Stefanki’s homer put them up by two.
SJSU was close to giving up their lead after an error by infielder Josh Nashed trying to catch a pop fly in the 8th advanced runners to second and third base with one out remaining.
The bullpen was not an issue for the Spartans today. Jackson Cunningham and Zach Tanner both played great during the tail end of the game, following the Spartans first two pitchers Graham Gomez and Eric Anderson being pulled fairly early.
The Spartans will continue the their three game series against the Antelopes tomorrow at 2 p.m. on the road.