The 2026 Credit Union 1 Mountain West Baseball Championship delivered a dramatic turnaround as San Diego State battled back from an 8-1 deficit to defeat Air Force 11-8. The Aztecs turned a slow start into a ten-run surge, forcing a late collapse by the Falcons and securing a spot in the championship game.
A Late Surge Powers the Aztecs
San Diego State recorded 11 hits, including four doubles and a home run, while their pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts. The offense exploded in the middle innings, capitalizing on every opportunity to close the gap and eventually take the lead.
Key contributors for the Aztecs included Jabin Trosky, who drove in three runs and added a home run, and Zach Justice, who led the team with three hits and scored twice. Jake Jackson, the Mountain West Tony Gwynn Player of the Year, contributed two hits, three runs and two RBIs, underscoring his pivotal role in the rally.
Air Force set a championship record with 18 stolen bases during the tournament, but it was not enough to overcome the Aztecs' late surge. Freshman standout Wyatt Hanoian provided a spark for the Falcons with two RBIs, two runs and a home run, yet the team fell short in the final innings.
The victory positions San Diego State to face No. 2 Washington State in the championship game, a matchup that promises another high‑stakes contest. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and depth, setting the stage for a compelling finale to the Mountain West season.