WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Fresno State scored an unearned run in the top of the ninth inning to claim a 3-2 win over Sacramento State on Tuesday in front of 1,212 at Raley Field.
The Bulldogs overcame a 2-0 deficit with a pair of runs in the sixth inning and then broke the tie when Taylor Tempel's two-out ground ball was mishandled at shortstop allowing Trent Garrison to score from second base.
The Hornets' attempt at a comeback ended when Justin Higley's fly ball was caught just in front of the 380-foot sign in right center for the third out of the inning.
Sacramento State scored the game's first runs in the third inning when Chris Lewis singled to left scoring Andrew Ayers and Rhys Hoskins. The score remained the same until the sixth when the Bulldogs loaded the bases with no outs. Hunter Greenwood then got Garrison to ground into a double play which scored a run. The second run crossed the plate on a wild pitch to knot the score, 2-2.
The Hornets countered in the eighth inning with a leadoff double from Scotty Burcham. The sophomore then took third on a wild pitch but was unable to score as Dane Fujinaka grounded out sharply to third, Will Soto hit a line drive which was snared by a diving third baseman and David Del Grande struck out swinging.
The Bulldogs used eight pitchers in the game who combined to allow five hits and seven walks. Brink picked up the victory with two innings of work after playing the first seven innings of the game at first base.
Greenwood last six innings in his second start of the year, giving up five hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Brandon Creel (2-1) pitched 2.2 innings but was charged with the loss after giving up a hit and hitting a batter.
Sacramento State will return to Western Athletic Conference play at Dallas Baptist for a three-game series beginning on Thursday.
NOTES: The game marked the first time that Sacramento State has played at Raley Field since 2002…former Sacramento State head coach and athletics director Cal Boyes threw out the first pitch…the loss was the first for the Hornets this season on Tuesdays. The team had won its first four attempts.
