GAME RECAP: Spartans Dominate on Opening Day, as Kyle Calzadiaz Fires Five No-Hit Innings

Long Beach, CA – The San José State Spartans wasted no time making a statement in 2026, cruising to an 8-0 shutout victory over the Long Beach State Dirtbags in the season opener at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field.

Senior right-hander Kyle Calzadiaz stole the show on the mound, delivering a masterful performance in his season debut. Calzadiaz threw five no-hit innings, scattering just a few baserunners while striking out five Dirtbags batters. He was electric from the start, punching out the side in the second inning and consistently working ahead in counts to keep Long Beach State’s lineup off balance. The Spartans turned to EJ McGrew in the sixth, preserving the shutout as the bullpen closed the door the rest of the way.

The Spartan offense provided plenty of support, breaking the game open with steady production throughout the lineup. Outfielder Alex Fernandes led the charge, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBI, consistently finding gaps and setting the tone at the top of the order. Gamberdella laced an RBI double, Caballero added a sacrifice fly to push the lead to 4-0, and freshman Anthony Scheppler made an immediate impact in his Spartan debut with a big hit.

San José State tacked on insurance runs late, capitalizing on sharp defense—including a slick 1-6-3 double play and a highlight-reel catch in the outfield—to keep Long Beach State scoreless through the final frame.

With the dominant road win, the Spartans start the season 1-0 and carry serious momentum into the rest of the weekend series. Calzadiaz’s gem sets a high bar for the pitching staff, while the offense showed it can manufacture runs in bunches when needed.