Dirtbags Edged in Ninth-Inning Rally by San Jose State

Sunday, February 15

Long Beach, Calif.

1:05 p.m.

Long Beach State University

1-2

San José State

2-1

San Jose State

Long Beach State

2/15/2026 5:06:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

Long Beach State held the lead into the ninth inning Sunday afternoon at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field before San Jose State scored twice in its final at-bat to edge the Dirtbags, 3-2, in the series finale.

By: Cianna Smith-Andrews, Assistant Director, Athletic Communications

Long Beach, Calif. — Long Beach State put together a strong all-around performance Sunday and carried a one-run lead into the final inning, but San Jose State rallied late to hand the Dirtbags a 3-2 loss in the rubber game of the three-game series.

The Dirtbags received an outstanding start from right-hander Luke Howe, who set the tone on the mound. Howe worked 6.1 innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out five and not issuing a walk, keeping the Spartans off balance and in check throughout his outing.

After San Jose State took a 1-0 lead in the third, Long Beach State answered immediately. Kaiden Smaka opened the bottom half with a single and moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt before Trevor Goldenetz delivered an RBI single to tie the game.

The Dirtbags took the lead in the fifth behind aggressive baserunning and timely hitting. Goldenetz singled and stole second, Camden Gasser followed with a base hit, and Trotter Enright drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI double to right field to make it 2-1.

Long Beach State continued to create opportunities throughout the afternoon, finishing with eight hits and four walks while placing pressure on the Spartans. Goldenetz led the way with a 3-for-4 performance, a walk, an RBI and two stolen bases. Matt Toomey added two hits, including a double, while Gasser and Enright each contributed an RBI.

The bullpen preserved the lead through the late innings. Kaimi Kahalekai delivered a clean eighth to send the Dirtbags into the ninth with a 2-1 advantage.

San Jose State capitalized on two two-out doubles in the final frame to plate the tying and go-ahead runs. Caleb Anderson recorded the final out to keep the deficit at one, giving Long Beach State an opportunity in its final at-bat.

In the ninth, Goldenetz worked a leadoff walk and stole second to move into scoring position, but the Spartans were able to secure the final outs.

Long Beach State finished the game without committing an error and held San Jose State to seven hits in a tightly contested finale. The Dirtbags will now turn their focus to a midweek matchup against the University of San Diego at Blair Field on Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m., with the game streaming live on ESPN+.