SAN ANTONIO — San Jose State rallied to overcome a two-run deficit by scoring four times in the fifth inning and the Spartans ran away from UTSA, 11-7, to clinch the Western Athletic Conference series on Friday evening at Roadrunner Field.
The Roadrunners (15-12, 1-4 WAC) took a 5-3 lead into the fifth, but San Jose State (9-18, 3-2 WAC) tallied six hits and scored four runs, including a go-ahead RBI single with two outs by Matt Lopez, to reclaim the lead.
The Spartans tacked on two more runs in the sixth, and one mark in both the seventh and eighth to take a four-run advantage.
UTSA's final scores came as part of a two-run sixth, which included an RBI single by Daniel Rockett.
Jordan Pacheco (6-1) was handed his first loss of the season after allowing seven runs on nine hits over 4.2 stanzas.
Meanwhile, Jason Kafka (2-2) picked up the victory in relief after he yielded two runs on three hits in 1.2 panels. The right-hander also walked one and struck out one.
Kalei Contrades and Kyle Hassna combined to hurl 3.2 scoreless innings to secure the win.
The Roadrunners, who slugged three solo home runs in the contest, lost despite out-hitting San Jose State, 14-13.
Riley Good was 3-for-4 with a double, a homer and an RBI to pace the Birds, while Rockett and RJ Perucki each tallied two hits, including home runs. Rockett also drove in a pair.
The Spartans had four players drive in two runs, including Nick Shulz, who was 3-for-5 with a solo homer.
The set wraps up at 12 p.m. Saturday. UTSA will send right-hander Brock Hartson (2-3, 3.58) to the mound in the finale, while San Jose State has not yet announced its starting pitcher.