Alex Fernandes and Peyton Rowles led the San José State baseball team’s offense on Saturday, combining for five runs batted in during a 13-8 loss to the University of Pittsburgh at Excite Ballpark. The Spartans’ record moved to 4-10, while Pitt improved to 11-2.
San José State responded to an early 1-0 deficit by scoring five runs in the bottom of the second inning. Fernandes hit a triple to center field that brought in two runs, and Rowles added an RBI on a fielder’s choice. Pitt regained control with four runs in the third inning and three more in the fourth, holding onto their lead for the rest of the game.
In the ninth inning, with San José State trailing 13-6, Mario Ricci and Emmitt Phinney singled, and Fernandes walked to load the bases. Rowles followed with a two-run single to right field, narrowing Pitt’s lead before San José State’s rally ended.
David Thomas started as pitcher for San José State and pitched 3.1 innings. Luka Pintar relieved him for 5.1 innings as the bullpen was managed ahead of Sunday’s series finale.
Fernandes reached base three times, finishing 1-for-3 with his first triple of the season and drawing two walks. He currently leads his team with a .451 batting average and a .608 slugging percentage.
Rowles recorded three RBIs, including his ninth-inning single that drove in two runs. His six RBIs this season are third-most on the team, as is his .314 batting average.
Alan Ramirez contributed with a double in the sixth inning and later scored on a wild pitch.
The series between San José State and Pitt concludes Sunday at Excite Ballpark at 12:05 p.m., with coverage available on the Mountain West Network.
