Aztecs Stumble in Series Finale at Saint Mary's, 7-3

MORAGA, Calif. – San Diego State was once again unable to build on an early lead as host Saint Mary’s rallied to claim a 7-3 decision Sunday in the finale of a weekend series at Louis Guisto Field at Brother Ronald Gallagher Stadium.

The Gaels scored the final seven runs of the contest to complete the series sweep and raise their record to 8-4 overall, while the Aztecs slip to 4-8 on the year.

The loss spoiled a steady pitching performance from SDSU starter Marko Sipila, who scattered six hits and three walks in a season-long six innings, during which he allowed two runs (one earned) while posting five strikeouts.

After walking Tanner Griffith and giving up a base hit to Ryan Pierce in the top of the first, Sipila fought himself off the proverbial ropes by striking out Eddie Madrigal and inducing an infield pop-up to Aiden Taurek.

Buoyed by their good fortune, the Aztecs scored three runs in the second when Zane Kelly ripped a one-out double and raced home on a base hit by Sammy Kahler, who ultimately crossed the plate along with Gage Adams on Finley Bates’ two-run single. Previously, Adams was hit by a pitch and advanced along with Kahler on Drew Rutter’s sacrifice bunt.

Saint Mary’s responded with a run in their half of the frame when Diego Castellanos singled in Jaren Mettam, who drew a leadoff walk, stole second and moved to third on Makoa Sniffen’s ground out.

The Gaels trimmed the margin with an unearned run in the sixth when Taurek scored on a failed pickoff attempt that went awry at first base. Previously, Taurek beat out an infield hit and eventually advanced to third on Mettam’s fielder’s choice grounder and a wild pitch.

Saint Mary’s threatened to add more to its total in the inning after Chris Esquivel singled and stole second. Sipila prevented further damage by striking out Castellanos.

However, the Gaels touched the Aztec bullpen with three runs in the seventh to take the lead for good. Tanner Griffith drew a one-out walk and raced home on Pierce’s double down the left-field line, while Madrigal followed with a two-run homer to right.

Saint Mary’s gave itself some insurance in the eighth on Castellanos’ two-run homer, which plated pinch runner Joe McGee to account for the final score. Earlier, McGee stole second and took third on a wild pitch after entering the game following Brian Duroff’s leadoff single.  

After tagging Gael starter Talin Gardini for three runs on five hits and one walk through 3 2/3 innings, SDSU managed just one hit apiece off relievers Sam Kretsch and Noah Waldeck for the remainder of the contest.

In the fourth, Kelly singled up the middle and advanced on a wild pitch and Kahler’s base hit up the middle.  However, Kahler was thrown out trying to stretch his single into a double, while Kretsch entered and induced a flyout to end the threat.

Bates and Jake Jackson both singled in the fifth and eighth, respectively, but were left stranded.

Kretsch (2-1) collected the victory after striking out two batters in 3 2/3 innings, while Waldeck pitched the final two frames to record the save.

Conversely, Chris Canada (1-1) absorbed the loss after retiring just one batter and yielding the three go-ahead runs in the fateful seventh.

Madrigal led all players with three hits, while Bates, Kelly and Kahler had two in the loss.

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San Diego State will make the quick drive to Orange County on Tuesday, March 4, to battle Cal State Fullerton at Goodwin Field. Game time is set for 6 p.m. PT, and the Aztecs-Titans clash will air live via subscription basis on ESPN+.