MESA, Ariz. – The Fresno State baseball team opened the Mountain West Championship on Thursday, defeating the San Jose State Spartans 7-3 in a rematch of the 2024 championship final.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The game began as a pitching duel, with both teams failing to score in the first two innings. Fresno State broke the deadlock in the bottom of the third inning. A series of well-placed hits, highlighted by a double from Murf Gray, resulted in a three-run surge, putting the Bulldogs ahead.
San Jose State responded in the fifth inning, scoring two runs to tighten the gap to 3-2.
Fresno State reclaimed its momentum in the following frames. The Bulldogs added a crucial insurance run in the fifth inning and extended their lead further in the sixth with a two-run effort. Lee Trevino played a pivotal role with three RBIs, including two crucial hits with runners in scoring position.
Starting pitcher Jack Anker threw eight strong innings, striking out seven and allowing just three runs on eight hits.
The eighth inning saw an exclamation point on Fresno State's performance as Sky Collins hit a solo home run, his third hit of the game, extending the lead to 7-3.
Fresno State's defense held firm despite the Spartans' attempts to rally in the later innings. The game concluded with a solid inning from Drew Townson out of the bullpen, sealing a 7-3 victory for the Bulldogs.
Fresno State improved its record to 29-27, while San Jose State dropped to 27-29.
NOTES
The Bulldogs have won three straight Mountain West Championship games against the Spartans.
Drew Townson made his first appearance on the mound in over a month after being out with a foot injury.
Lee Trevino led the team with three hits and three RBIs.
UP NEXT
Fresno State will return to Sloan Park tomorrow at 3:05 p.m. PT to face top-seeded Nevada.