After falling behind 4-0, Blauser’s and Wilson’s efforts in the top of the sixth inning helped bring the Hornets within striking distance trailing just 4-3.

Blauser’s blast to left field was the Elk Grove, Calif., native’s third homer of the season. Later in the inning, junior Brian Conradi singled before scoring on Wilson’s two-run shot to left field.

Wilson, a Canoga Park, Calif., native is now tied for the team lead with six home runs this season. It was the fifth-year senior’s 14th home run of his career and he is now second on the team with 27 RBIs this season.

The Cougars (20-27) responded with five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to create a 9-3 lead that the Hornets could not answer.

Washington State’s Brady Everett went 3-for-4 during the game including hitting two home runs. Kaeo Rubin also led the Cougars at the plate going 4-for-5 with two RBIs while Jeff Miller finished the day 3-for-5 with three runs.

The Hornets (18-30-1) scored their fourth run in the eighth inning when junior Josh Levin singled to left field scoring senior Brett Flowers. Sacramento State scattered 11 hits during the game and left nine on base. Freshman third baseman David Flores went 2-for-4 and also hit his sixth double of the season. Conradi finished his day 2-for-4 as well.

Wayne Daman, Jr. (6-4) earned the win for the Cougars after pitching 6.2 innings and allowing three runs on nine hits.

Junior left-hander Matt Campbell (3-7) took the loss for Sacramento State after pitching five innings and allowing four runs on seven hits.

The three-game series will end with the final game at noon on Monday. The Cougars now have a 3-2 lead this season against Sacramento State. The Hornets are also 5-8 against the Pac-10 this year.

Sacramento State will return to Hornet Field at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday for a game with Saint Mary’s. The Hornets will then host San Jose State for a four-game series beginning on Friday at 2:30 p.m.