SAN JOSE, Calif. (Interstat) — The Pittsburgh Panthers unleashed a historic offensive barrage Friday night, scoring 13 runs in the first inning alone and cruising to a 20-1 victory over the San Jose State Spartans at Excite Ballpark.

The game was effectively decided in the opening frame, as Pittsburgh sent 17 batters to the plate against three San Jose State pitchers. The Panthers recorded seven hits, drew five walks, and were hit by two pitches, capitalizing on every opportunity. The inning featured a two-run single by Carter Dierdorf, an RBI double by Julian Irizarry, and a two-run single up the middle by Lorenzo Carrier, who drove in the final two runs of the inning.

Pittsburgh starter David Leslie earned the win, working four innings and allowing one unearned run on two hits while striking out five. The lone Spartans run came in the fourth inning when Matt McCoy singled home AJ Fernandes, who had doubled.

The Panthers’ offense never relented. Carrier, the game’s top star, blasted a grand slam in the third inning and added a two-run homer in the fourth, finishing the night 3 for 3 with two home runs, eight RBIs, three runs scored and a walk. Irizarry also had a big night, going 3 for 4 with a home run, a double, and three RBIs. Dierdorf contributed three hits and three RBIs.

After the early pitching struggles, San Jose State reliever Spencer Kratt provided a measure of stability, throwing three innings and allowing two earned runs on five hits. Kyler Bacosa pitched a scoreless seventh inning for the Spartans.

Pittsburgh’s bullpen was flawless in relief of Leslie. Chase Kriebel, Noah Czajkowski and Michael Savarese combined for three perfect innings of relief, striking out three.

The most important part of the game was unequivocally the top of the first inning. The Panthers’ immediate and overwhelming offensive explosion removed all competitive tension from the contest before San Jose State ever took a swing. The 13-run inning set a commanding tone, demoralized the home team, and allowed Pittsburgh to liberally utilize its bench and bullpen for the remainder of the night, preserving key players for the rest of the weekend series.

Mason Ligenza and Anthony LaSala added back-to-back solo home runs in the sixth inning for the Panthers’ final runs.

Pittsburgh improved to 10-2 with the win, while San Jose State fell to 4-8. The two teams are scheduled to continue their three-game series Saturday.