The Hornets lost the opening game of their series with UNLV.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Sacramento State baseball team was out-hit 16-4 on Friday afternoon and lost to UNLV, 12-0, in the first game of a non-conference series at John Smith Field.
The loss snapped the Hornets' four-game winning streak as they defeated Saint Mary's and swept Hawai'i in a three-game series last week. It was also only the second time this season that Sacramento State was shutout and the first since the Hornets lost 1-0 at UC Riverside on March 10.
The Hornets (29-24) play the Rebels twice more this weekend to close out the regular season. Sacramento State has clinched a spot on the Western Athletic Conference Tournament in Mesa, Ariz., next week, but won’t know its seed until two other series conclude.
In their quest for a WAC regular season title, the second-place Hornets got some help on Thursday night as Hawai’i defeated first-place Nevada, 2-0. If the Rainbows win one more game, the Hornets will jump the Wolf Pack for first. Sacramento State also needs San Jose State to defeat New Mexico State at least once in a three-game series, which starts on Friday night. If New Mexico State sweeps the Spartans, the Aggies will have the same record as the Hornets and will hold the tiebreaker after taking 2-of-3 in Sacramento earlier this season.
In preparation for the WAC Tournament, the Hornets started Tanner Mendonca on Friday against UNLV and also used regular starting pitcher Dallas Chadwick in relief. Third starter Brennan Leitao will throw on Saturday while the Sunday starter is TBA.
The first game for the Hornets in the conference tournament will be on Thursday if they finish No. 1 or No. 2 in the league. However, if they fall to No. 3, Sacramento State will play on Wednesday.
Sacramento State’s pitchers hope to be better in the WAC Tournament than they were against the Rebels. Each of UNLV’s hitter had at least one hit, with center fielder Mark Shannon going 3-for-6 with three runs and four RBIs to lead the Rebels offensively. Shannon hit a three-run homer to right in the sixth inning.
UNLV starter Erick Fedde (6-4) earned the win after allowing just two hits in seven scoreless innings. Mendonca (6-8) took the loss after surrendering six runs (five earned) on nine hits in five innings.
The Hornets and Rebels meet in game two of the series at 1 p.m. on Saturday with the series and season finale at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
