Aztecs Fall to No. 24 Nebraska at MLB Desert Invite
San Diego State completed its season-opening weekend on a sour note Sunday, falling to No. 24 Nebraska, 13-0, in its final game of the MLB Desert Invitational in Mesa, Arizona.
MESA, Ariz. – San Diego State completed its season-opening weekend on a sour note Sunday, falling to No. 24 Nebraska, 13-0, in its final game of the MLB Desert Invitational at Sloan Park.
The Aztecs were unable to avoid the big inning, allowing four runs in the second frame and another five in the eighth to slip to 1-2 on the young season.
Conversely, the Huskers outhit the Scarlet and Black 12-7 to help raise their record to 2-1.
Max Buettenback led all players with four RBIs, including a two-run homer in the fifth inning that extended the Nebraska advantage to 8-0. Additionally, Cayden Brumbaugh (2 hits) and Gabe Swansen each drove in a pair of runs, while Will Jesske and Riley Silva finished with two hits apiece.
Brumbaugh led off the game with a triple and promptly scored on Buettenback’s sacrifice fly. He also delivered a two-run double in the second, giving the Huskers the momentum they would not relinquish.
Nebraska starter Will Walsh (1-0) posted six strikeouts in seven innings, scattering five hits and one walk to earn the victory, while Carson Jasa pitched the final two frames, yielding two hits and one walk against two punchouts.
Conversely, Aztec junior transfer Marko Sipila (0-1) was saddled with the loss after allowing six runs on five hits and one walk in 2 2/3 innings. Left-handers Chris Canada (1.1 IP) and Chris Canavan (1.0 IP) were largely effective in relief, along with righty Thomas Young (0.1 IP), giving up a combined one one hit and one walk to go with three strikeouts.
Despite getting a runner aboard in every inning, SDSU was able to move just one player into scoring position throughout the contest.
Daniel Arambula led the Aztecs with two hits, as the Scarlet and Black utilized 21 players on the night, including five true freshman who were making their first career appearances (Evan Escobar, Cody Liscio, Dillon Marrisett, Alito McBean, Hank Tripaldi). Tripaldi singled in his first collegiate at-bat with a base hit through the right side in the eighth.
San Diego State returns to the diamond on Tuesday, Feb. 18, when it faces UC San Diego in a crosstown battle at Triton Ballpark in La Jolla, California. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. PT, and the contest will air live on ESPN+.
The Aztecs will play host to Seattle for their home opener on Thursday, Feb. 20, in their first game of the Tony Gwynn Legacy, starting at 6 p.m.