BULLPEN IMPRESSIVE BUT BASEBALL FALLS TO UC DAVIS, 5-1

5/8/2007

DAVIS, Calif. — Four Sacramento State relievers combined to hold UC Davis to no runs and just three hits over the final 4.2 innings but the Hornets could not overcome an early deficit in a 5-1 loss to UC Davis, Tuesday afternoon at Dobbins Stadium.

The loss snapped Sacramento State’s season-long five-game winning streak and lowered the team’s overall record to 16-32. The Aggies won their fifth straight to improve to 20-25.

Trailing 5-1 in the fourth inning, the Hornets called on senior Chris Mols to keep the team out of further trouble. With runners on first and second and just one out, Mols retired the first two batters he faced on a total of six pitches to get out of the inning.

Senior Billy Sinacori threw the next two innings and did not allow a hit before giving way to Ryan Magee. The junior, who was making his third appearance of the year, kept his ERA at 0.00 after giving up just one hit in one inning on the hill. Senior Mitch Lively finished the game with a two-hit eighth.

UC Davis pounced to an early lead, scoring all five of its runs in the first two innings. With one out, starter Cyrus Sarraf walked Michael Jacobellis then watched as five consecutive batters singled up the middle to score four runs. All five of the hits bounced between home plate and the pitchers mound then kicked past second base.

A leadoff walk to Ryan Royster set the tone for the second an inning. A groundout moved Royster to second and he later advanced to third on a wild pitch. The Aggies then used a suicide squeeze to plate Royster on a bunt from Michael Jacobellis.

Sacramento State scored its lone run in the fourth inning. With one out, David Flores, Gabe Jacobo and Tim Wheeler each singled. Wheeler’s hit scored Flores from second. The rally showed a little promise when a wild pitch put runners on second and third with one out but UCD starter Jeff Reekers was able to retire the next two batters.

Reekers went the distance, allowing 10 hits, to pick up his second win over Sacramento State this season.

The Hornet offense, which outhit UC Davis, 10-9, was led by Flores, Jacobo and Wheeler with two hits apiece. Flores’ first inning single extended his career-best hitting streak to 11 games. Neither team had an extra-base hit as gusty winds kept most balls from traveling past the outfielders.

Sacramento State will return to the road this weekend for a three-game series at Northern Colorado. The Hornets’ next home game will come on Wed., May 16, against the Aggies. The game is a makeup from a rainout early in the year.