Falcons make statement, win series opener 4-2 over Aztecs

COLORADO SPRINGS- In a rather important showdown at Falcon Field, Air Force saw strong pitching, good defense and timely hitting combine to provide the Falcons a 4-2 win over the previously conference-leading San Diego State Aztecs.

With the win, Air Force moves to 15-10 in the Mountain West to lead the conference standings.

Jake Sansing rebounded after a tough start at Arizona to post 5.1 scoreless innings, scattering six hits with two walks and three strikeouts. The Aztecs offensive threats were few and far between, as the senior didn't allow a baserunner to reach third base until the 6th. Sansing has now totaled 8.0 scoreless innings against the Aztecs this season in two appearances.

Chase Spencer was 1-2 at the plate, driving in the first run of the game in the 4th with a sac fly. Spencer has now reached base in each of the last 19 games.

Sansing was eventually pulled after San Diego State loaded the bases with one out in the 6th, as Coach Kaz called upon his stopper, Sawyer Hawks, to erase the scoring chance.

Hawks did exactly that, picking up a strikeout and a groundout to keep the Falcons in front 1-0. The Aztecs were able to manufacture a run in the 7th, but the Falcons didn't wait long to counter the visitors.

Spencer opened the inning with a double, forcing San Diego State to the bullpen. After Spencer reached third on a balk, he was eventually escorted home by a wild pitch as Air Force regained a 2-1 lead.

After consecutive outs, Blake Covin kick-started a two-out rally with a single into center. Aerik Joe lined a double into left-center to score Covin before Sam Kulasingam poked a base-hit through the left side, plating Joe, as the Falcons had suddenly built a 4-1 lead.

Joe's on-base streak extends to the 25-consecutive games, while Kulasingam's 46-game on-base streak stays alive.

Hawks pitched a scoreless 8th, though San Diego State made things interesting late. With one out, a hit-by-pitch, a stolen base, and an RBI single cut the Falcons lead to 4-2, but a lineout and a groundout saw Hawks nab his second win of the season.

The Falcons and Aztecs will resume their series on Saturday, May 13 with first-pitch scheduled for 12:00 pm MT.

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