San Diego State University lost to Saint Mary’s College in the second game of their weekend baseball series, with a final score of 12-9 at Tony Gwynn Stadium on Saturday.
The Aztecs, now holding a 9-6 record, briefly took the lead after scoring five runs in the fifth inning. However, Saint Mary’s responded by outscoring SDSU 6-2 over the last four innings to secure the win.
Zach Justice led SDSU’s offense, going 3-for-5 and matching his career high with four RBIs. Jake Jackson and Dawson Santana each contributed two hits for the Aztecs, with Santana also driving in two runs. Anthony Marnell IV added two RBIs.
Saint Mary’s improved to 9-5 behind Jacob Johnson’s performance at the plate, where he went 4-for-5 with four RBIs and three runs scored. Diego Castellanos also contributed three hits and two RBIs.
The Gaels initially led 4-2 and extended their advantage in the fifth inning before SDSU rallied. The Aztecs sent nine batters to the plate in that frame, highlighted by Justice’s two-run double and a squeeze play executed by Santana. Marnell’s single gave San Diego State a brief 7-6 edge.
Saint Mary’s quickly answered in the sixth inning, scoring three runs off SDSU reliever Chris Canavan, who was charged with the loss. The Gaels continued to add runs in the eighth and ninth innings.
Despite loading the bases with one out in both the fifth and seventh innings, SDSU left nine runners stranded during the game compared to ten left on base by Saint Mary’s.
Sam Kretsch earned his second win of the season for Saint Mary’s after pitching four innings with five strikeouts despite allowing two runs on four hits and a walk. Cam Staton started for Saint Mary’s but struggled with control issues over his 4 1/3 innings. Drew Talavs started for SDSU, giving up six runs (five earned) across five innings.
Both teams will conclude their series on Sunday, March 8 at Tony Gwynn Stadium. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. PT start and will be broadcast live on Mountain West Network.
