San Jose State head baseball coach Brad Sanfilippo shared his thoughts following the Spartans’ hard-fought series finale against Air Force. After splitting the first two games, San Jose State looked to close out the series on a high note, but the Falcons proved to be a tough opponent in the decisive matchup.
Sanfilippo acknowledged his team’s effort despite the result, emphasizing their resilience and competitiveness. “Our guys battled throughout the game,” he said. “We had opportunities, but credit to Air Force—they executed when they needed to, and that made the difference.” The Spartans had key moments where they threatened to shift momentum but struggled to capitalize in crucial situations.
One of the major talking points postgame was San Jose State’s pitching performance. The bullpen was tested early after the starting pitcher ran into trouble, forcing the coaching staff to make adjustments on the fly. Sanfilippo noted that while the relief staff showed flashes of effectiveness, consistency remains an area for improvement. “We need to execute our pitches better, especially in pressure situations,” he stated.
Offensively, the Spartans had their chances, but timely hits were hard to come by. Several players contributed solid at-bats, but the team couldn’t string together enough sustained rallies. “We put some good swings on the ball, but we need to be more efficient with runners in scoring position,” Sanfilippo said, pointing to missed scoring opportunities as a key factor in the outcome.
Despite the setback, Sanfilippo remained optimistic about his team’s development. “Every game is a learning experience, and this was no different,” he said. “We’ll go back, analyze what we need to improve, and get ready for the next challenge.” The coach highlighted the team’s ability to compete with a disciplined Air Force squad as a positive takeaway.
Looking ahead, San Jose State will shift its focus to the next series on the schedule. With conference play heating up, every game holds added significance, and Sanfilippo stressed the importance of bouncing back quickly. “We have to have a short memory in baseball,” he said. “Learn from this, make the necessary adjustments, and be ready for our next opponent.”
Sanfilippo also praised the team’s effort over the weekend, commending the players for their energy and commitment. “The fight is there, and that’s something we can build on,” he noted. “We just need to fine-tune the details and execute in big moments.” The coaching staff plans to use this series as a stepping stone toward greater consistency.
With valuable lessons learned from the Air Force matchup, San Jose State will aim to regroup and improve as they continue their season. The team’s ability to respond to adversity will be crucial in determining their success in the upcoming games.