Fresno, CA - (SJSU Media Relations) Saturday’s Western Athletic Conference doubleheader sweep of Fresno State brought numerous milestones to the San Jose State baseball team, though none bigger than Head Coach Sam Piraro’s 800th career victory.
San Jose State defeated Fresno State 4-0 in the first game of the doubleheader, then beat them 4-3 in the nightcap.
The Spartans’ sweep also clinched their first series victory against Fresno State since 2005 and their first series victory in Fresno since 2000. San Jose State is 2-0 in WAC play for the first time since 2005 as well.
Piraro becomes the 28th active head coach in NCAA Division I baseball to earn his 800th career win, and the third this season, following Southern University (La.)’s Roger Cador and North Carolina State University’s Elliot Avent.
“I told the guys today (that) when you’re done coaching, those things mean more to you,” said Piraro, who is in his 25th year as head coach of San Jose State. “You look at them and you say, ‘Wow.’ While you’re doing it, I really don’t dwell on those things.
“It’s a nice thing,” Piraro added. “When you do it at one place, that’s kind of a tough thing to do, so I’m really proud of that. The most important thing is our team. I’m very proud that I’ve done it all here at San Jose State.”
“This man is a guru of baseball,” said senior pitcher Esteban Guzman, who was a member of the team in 2009 when Piraro won his 700th game. “He knows a lot. We all definitely respect him for what he’s done. Being a part of two century marks is a pretty cool experience on my end.
“To think that in four years my team has won 100 games – that’s pretty cool to think about it.”