March 2, 2013
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - San Diego State enjoyed its biggest offensive day of the season in Saturday afternoon's 10-4 victory over Seton Hall.
The Aztecs (6-5) scored all 10 runs over the game's first five innings, scoring at least one run in each frame against the Pirates (0-7).
SDSU's corner infielders made the biggest impact at the plate. First baseman John Spirk had two hits and three RBI and third baseman Ty France hit the team's first home run of the season and also had three RBI. Shortstop Evan Potter contributed three of the team's 13 hits.
The offensive output was quite a contrast for SDSU junior right-hander Philip Walby, who pitched well for the third straight start. Walby was on the short end of a 2-0 score last week against Oregon State, though he allowed one earned run in 7.2 innings against the Beavers. Walby (1-1) went one better against Seton Hall, shutting out the Pirates over the game's first five innings. The effort lowered Walby's ERA to 1.12. He allowed four hits, walked four and struck out two before handing the game over to the bullpen in the sixth inning.
The Aztecs opened the scoring in the first inning when Jake Romanski's single to left field scored teammate Greg Allen. SDSU chased Seton Hall starting pitcher Anthony Elia (0-1) during a four-run second inning highlighted by Spirk's two-run single. Tim Zier walked to force in the first run of the inning. Brad Haynal's sacrifice fly to center field brought home the run that made it 5-0.
France's two-run home run to right field was the big blow in a three-run third inning that included an RBI single by Zier. The Aztecs added single runs in the fourth -- on France's infield groundout -- and fifth -- on Spirk's single up the middle -- to reach double figures. SDSU's highest-scoring game before Saturday had come in the Aztecs' 8-1 season-opening victory two weeks ago at USD.
Allen scored three runs for the second straight game and remains SDSU's top hitter at .370. Spirk's two hits boosted his average to .364. Romanski also had two hits and is now batting .343.
Seton Hall finally scored in the seventh inning off reliever Mitch Bluman. Tyler Sapp pitched a scoreless eighth before the Pirates collected three runs in the ninth against Cody Thompson.
The teams conclude the three-game series Sunday at 1 p.m. at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Senior right-hander Ryan Doran (1-1, 3.97) is the scheduled starting pitcher for the Aztecs.