Feb. 16, 2014
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Diego State offense exploded for 11 runs over the middle three innings to overcome a five-run deficit en route to a 13-8 win at San Jose State Sunday afternoon.
All nine players in the SDSU lineup had at least one hit, eight players scored and seven recorded an RBI. The win enabled the Aztecs to capture the weekend series against the Spartans as they improved to 2-1 both overall and in Mountain West play.
SDSU got out of the gate quickly scoring single runs in both the first and second innings to take the early 2-0 lead. Seby Zavala's ground out to second in the opening frame scored Greg Allen, who had singled to lead off the contest. Allen then doubled in the next inning to bring home Ty France, who had begun the inning with a double of his own.
Aztec sophomore pitcher Mark Seyler, making his first career start and only his second SDSU appearance, struggled from the outset. In the bottom of the first he loaded the bases with no outs on a pair of walks and a single, but pulled a great escape with a strikeout and double play to keep SJSU off the board.
Seyler again loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the second, but this time he could not get out of the jam as he walked the ensuing batter to force home the Spartans' first run. That would mark the end of his day as he was lifted in favor of Brett Seeburger.
The SDSU freshman left-hander got off to a shaky start as four of the first five hitters he faced had a triple, double and two singles. Before the frame was over San Jose State had seven runs on the board and sported a healthy 7-2 advantage.
After a scoreless third inning, the Aztecs began their comeback with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth. Evan Potter began the two-out rally by getting hit by pitch. Allen then doubled to center field to score Potter and Tim Zier then singled home Allen to make it a 7-4 contest.
The next inning would turn the game around as San Diego State scored seven times on seven hits to take an 11-7 lead. The big blow in the inning was a three-run home run by catcher Brad Haynal. The Aztecs also got two-run singles from Spencer Thornton and Tim Zier during the outburst.
SDSU's final two runs came in the sixth when the Aztecs loaded the bases with one out on a walk, Spartan error and single. Tyler Adkison then drew a base on balls to bring in the first run with the second scoring on Potter's RBI fielder's choice.
On the mound, meanwhile, Seeburger settled in impressively. After allowing a run in the bottom of the fifth, he faced the minimum over the final four innings, allowing only a leadoff single in the ninth that was erased via a double play. For his effort, Seeburger (1-0) earned his first collegiate victory. The loss went to Spartan reliever Michael Wright (0-1), who was charged with all seven runs in the Aztec fifth.
Greg Allen led the Aztecs in hits on the afternoon with a single and two doubles along with two RBI and two runs scored. Tim Zier and Brad Haynal registered two hits and three RBI apiece while teammates Ryan Muno and Seby Zavala contributed two hits each.
Up next for San Diego State is the home opener against Loyola Marymount scheduled for Tuesday, Feb., 18, at 6:00 p.m.at Tony Gwynn Stadium.