Baseball's Comeback Falls Short in Series Opener Against SJSU

USAFA, Colo. – The Air Force Academy baseball team's comeback came up just short in a tough 8-7 defeat to San Jose State, Thursday afternoon, May 16, at Falcon Field. Air Force (24-26, 10-14 MW) spotted SJSU (20-32, 13-15) six runs over the first three innings, and could not quite come all the way back.

Air Force's offense totaled eight hits on the day, led by a two hit, three RBI day from senior Rob Dau, including a double and three RBI triple. Junior Ashton Easley also added a pair of hits, including an RBI double.

The Spartans put up three spots in both the second and third innings to take the early 6-0 lead. AF cut into the deficit with a four run bottom of the sixth. Three runs came across on Dau's triple, and the fourth came in on an RBI single from senior Gabe Martinez.

SJSU got a pair back in the top of the seventh to get their lead back to 8-4 into the stretch. In the bottom of the seventh, Easley drove in a run on a double to make it 8-5. One batter later, he and junior Tommy Gillman both scored on a Spartan throwing error, making it a one run game, 8-7, with two to play.

AF had a golden opportunity in the bottom of the eighth, loading the bases up with two outs. SJSU then brought in their closer, and he got the final out to send it to the ninth. In the bottom of the ninth, senior Nic Ready led off with a single, but a double play made it two outs and no one on. Martinez then singled to keep the game alive, but a strikeout ended the game in heartbreaking fashion.

Air Force and San Jose State will return to the diamond tomorrow, May 17, for game two of the series. First pitch from Falcon Field is set for 1 p.m. MT.

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