SAN DIEGO – San Diego State wrapped up its 2024 home schedule on a winning note Tuesday with a 3-2 triumph over UC San Diego in a non-conference clash at Tony Gwynn Stadium.
With the victory, the Aztecs (16-35) complete the season sweep against the Tritons (28-22) after posting an 18-8 romp in La Jolla on April 10.
Seven of SDSU starters recorded at least one hit, including two apiece by Tino Bethancourt and Shaun Montoya.
In addition, the Aztecs utilized seven pitchers on the night, combining on a four-hitter.
San Diego State never trailed in the contest, as Xavier Gonzalez plated Bethancourt with an infield single in the second inning to give the visitors a lead they would not surrender.
Previously, Bethancourt led off the frame with an infield hit of his own, beating the throw back to the pitcher on a hot smash to the left of the bag at first. Following a strikeout, Colby Turner and Brady Lavoie laced consecutive singles to load the bases.
The Aztecs added another tally in the third when reigning Mountain West Freshman of the Week Jake Jackson doubled home Montoya, who earlier singled and advanced on a wild pitch.
Montoya also crossed the plate in the fifth following another leadoff single and Bethancourt's scorching double down the left-field line.
UCSD narrowed the gap in the sixth when Emiliano Gonzalez ripped a two-out double off the wall in left, knocking in Nick Costello and Anthony Potestio, who were both issued walks.
However, Jonny Guzman struck out Doyle Kane to prevent further damage.
The Tritons also put a runner in scoring position in the seventh when Benjamin Rosengard roped a two-out double down the left-field line. This time, though, Garvey Rumary avoided trouble by inducing an inning-ending flyout to Noah Sudyka, and the visitors never threatened again.
Rumary also retired the first batter in the eighth, while Aidan Russell followed with a pair of strikeouts before Jadon Bercovich set down the Tritons in order in the ninth.
Evan Miranda (2-3), SDSU's second hurler of the game, was credited with the victory after allowing just one hit in two scoreless innings, while Bercovich earned his fifth save of the year.
Not to be outdone, Connor Abadie made his first career start a memorable one for the Scarlet and Black, logging collegiate highs in innings pitched (3.1) and strikeouts (4), while yielding just one hit without a walk.
Conversely, Landon Marchetti (2-3) absorbed the loss for UCSD after giving up two runs on six hits in two-plus innings.
UP NEXT
San Diego State concludes its regular-season slate this weekend when it travels to the Silver State for a three-game Mountain West series against the Nevada Wolf Pack, May 16-18, on Don Weir Field at Peccole Park in Reno.
Aztecs Edge UCSD in Home Finale, 3-2
