The win improved the Gauchos to 21-30 overall and 7-13 in the Big West Conferece. The Hornets fell to 19-33 overall and 1-19 in league games.

UCSB scored its first run in the bottom of the first on a single to right by Chris Malec which scored Blair Havens. The team pulled ahead, 2-0, in the second on an infield single by Havens which plated Josh McCanne.

The big damage came in the third inning where UC Santa Barbara scored six runs. Malec, Ryan Spilborghs and Taylor Vogt all drew walks to start the inning. Sacramento State starter Jeff Groeger then struck out Matt Wilkerson before Nate Sutton hit a grand slam to right field to put UCSB on top, 8-0.

Sacramento State began its comeback in the seventh inning when Matt Wilson hit a two-run home run to left. Tim Reimer scored the third run of the inning on a wild pitch.

The team continued its rally in the eighth with four runs. Mario Celillo and Bobby Ciani started the inning with singles. With one out, Bret LeVier singled to right to score Celillo.

Following a pitching change, pinch hitter Danny Gill was hit by a pitch to load the bases and Tim Reimer drew a walk to make the score, 8-5. The final two runs of the inning came on a single down the left-field line by Chris Kinsey.

Freshman Eric Posthumus picked up the win. The right-hander threw 7.0 innings and allowed three runs on seven hits. James Garcia earned his second save of the season after tossing 1.2 innings without allowing a run.

Groeger, who had thrown four complete games in his last six starts, did not make it out of the third inning. Freshman Warren Rosebrock came on in relief and surrendered just two hits and no runs in 5.1 innings.

The two teams will conclude the three-game series on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for noon.

---30---

Sacramento State (19-33, 1-19) 000 000 340 - 7 11 5

UC Santa Barbara (21-30, 7-13) 116 000 00X - 8 8 0

Jeff Groeger, Warren Rosebrock (3) and Joe Evans, Matt Wilson (6); Eric Posthumus, Matt Moran (8), James Daley (8), James Garcia (8) and Taylor Vogt.

TOP HITTERS: SAC – Chris Kinsey 2x3; Bobby Ciani 2x4; Bret LeVier 2x5; Matt Wilson HR. UCSB – Dave Licht 3x5 2B; Blair Havens 2x4, 2B; Nate Sutton HR, 4 RBI; Josh McCanne 2B.