4/26/25 - The Tritons Eliminate SDSU From Playoff Contention
Game 1: The Trolley Series between UCSD and SDSU started off with the Tritons, the away team this year, jumping out to an early 1-0 lead off of a double by Jai Benedito. Max Hill would lead off the 2nd inning with a walk and a sac bunt, ground out, and single would score him, putting the Tritons up 2-0. The Aztecs would respond with a walk followed by 2 singles to close the gap back to 1 run. They would continue to pressure the Tritons in the 3rd by loading the bases with no outs and scoring 2 runs on 2 sacrifice flies, taking the lead 3-2. An error in the 4th for the Tritons would give the Aztecs another run in the 4th. The 5th inning saw more traffic on the bases for SDSU with multiple walks and hits giving them a 5-2 lead heading into the 6th inning. In the 6th, a hit by pitch and walk put 2 runners on for the Tritons and in dramatic fashion, JP Herd hit his 3rd home run of the year with 2 outs to tie the game at 5. The energy was short lived, though, as the Aztecs would win on a walkoff single in the 7th after an error that put the winning run on as the Tritons fell 6-5.
Game 2: JP Herd continued his power hitting into the second game with a solo home run in the 1st inning putting the Tritons on top early once again. The Aztecs responded with a few singles and a couple extra bases after a dropped 3rd strike. The 2nd and 3rd innings saw little activity, but the Tritons would go up 2-1 in the 4th on JP Herd's 3rd home run on the day. The Aztecs quickly loaded the bases and scored 2 runs off a timely single to take a 3-2 lead. The Tritons would fall further behind on another passed ball allowing the Aztecs to score yet again. As the game continued, rain started to fall making the ball harder to see and throw for pitchers. This proved difficult for the UCSD pitchers who allowed 3 walks with multiple balls going past the catcher, giving up 2 runs to SDSU essentially for free. The Tritons scored a run in the 7th, but couldn't put any more runs on the board, falling 6-3 in game 2.
Game 3: In what seems to be the theme of nearly every game this year, the Tritons scored first on a double from Lex Hou who scored 2 from a single and an error. However, the 2nd inning saw difficulties for the Tritons as walks and timely hits by the Aztecs put them on top, again as seems to be the theme of the weekend. The Tritons didn't let that lead last for very long as they tied the score at 5 after 3 singles, a sacrifice bunt, and another single. The Aztecs also continued their scoring in the 4th, adding on another run to go up 6-5. The Tritons, still looking to win a game in the series, took the lead on a rally in the 5th adding on 3 runs on a bases clearing double from Landon Lee. The 6th, 7th, and 8th innings went by with both teams showing their best defense and looking for a win. The Tritons ultimately broke this scoreless streak in the 9th on 5 hits and 2 free bases, going up 14-6 heading into SDSU's last shot at winning and potentially making playoffs. While they would score once, the Aztecs could not come up with enough runs. The Tritons not only won but also eliminated the Aztecs from playoff contention.
Players of the Week
JP Herd, 3 HR, 6 hits total
Ethan Ou, 6 IP, 1ER, 7K
