Keiper’s RBI capped a 4-for-4 day for the Hornets’ designated hitter, who also doubled twice. He now leads the team with 29 hits, 15 RBIs, seven doubles and a .426 batting average.

Sacramento State ends a four-game skid, improving to 7-10, while the Anteaters are now 11-7.

Heading into the top of the ninth and the scored tied, 2-2, sophomore catcher Brett Tanigawa, in his second start of the season, led off the inning with a single and senior shortstop Everet Rincon reached on a fielder’s choice, while Tanigawa advanced to second on a throwing error. With runners in scoring position, junior second baseman Gary Johnson singled to center field to load the bases.

The Fair Oaks, Calif., native was 3-for-4 on the day in the leadoff spot, and recorded multiple hits for the third consecutive game. Senior left fielder Ronnie Machado, Jr., reached on a fielder’s choice and Tanigawa was thrown out in a play at the plate, but the bases remained loaded for Keiper, who produced an RBI-single to score Rincon.

UC Irvine pitcher Chris Lopez then walked junior right fielder Montana Dye, scoring Johnson for the Hornets’ fourth run of the game.

In the bottom of the ninth, left-hander Mick Joyce retired the side in order for his third win of the season. The Temecula, Calif., native recorded his first career complete game, surrendering two runs on six hits, while walking two and striking out three.

Joyce remains undefeated at 3-0, and continues to lead the staff with a 2.25 ERA. In 32.0 innings pitched, he has compiled 19 strikeouts and is holding opponents to a .248 average.

The Hornets totaled 14 hits in the game, led by Keiper and Johnson. Also recording multiple hits on the day were Tanigawa (2-for-4) and sophomore third baseman David Flores (2-for-4).

Kyle Necke took the loss for UC Irvine after pitching 1.1 innings and allowing two runs on three hits. The Anteaters’ starter, Glenn Swanson went 6.0 innings on the mound, allowing one run on nine hits.

After three innings of scoreless play, the Hornets picked up their first run when Keiper led off the fourth with his sixth double of the season. Keiper then scored on Dye’s RBI-single to center field.

The Anteaters took a 2-1 lead at the end of five innings when Joyce, walked Jeff Werhun and then hit Tyler Vaughn to put a runner in scoring position. Taylor Holiday, who led UC Irvine going 2-for-4, laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Werhun and Vaughn before Jaime Martinez produced a two-RBI single up the middle, giving the Anteaters the one-run edge.

Sacramento State tied the score in the seventh inning, when Flores led off the inning, recording his first double of the season to left field. Rincon’s RBI-single to left field scored Flores and tied the game, 2-2.

Sacramento State returns to Hornet Field for a four-game homestand this week. The Hornets will host Santa Clara at 2 p.m. on Tuesday before starting a three-game series with Northern Colorado on Friday with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m.