The Bulldogs, currently first place in the WAC (38-16, 17-6), need a win in the series finale or a loss by Hawai’i to clinch the top spot.

The Hornets (20-34, 8-15), will be the sixth seed in the tournament, which begins Thursday, May 25, at Pete Beiden Field in Fresno.

Fresno State was held scoreless in the first two innings by starting right-hander Mitch Lively, but the Bulldogs scored 12 runs combined in the third and fourth innings, taking a 12-2 lead.

Lively (0-6) took the loss after allowing seven runs on eight hits in 2.1 innings on the mound.

Nick Moresi and Brian Lapin each homered for Fresno State and, while starting shortstop Christian Vitters produced a 3-for-5 performance with three RBIs and two runs scored. Moresi was 3-for-6 with three RBIs and three runs scored, while Lapin had two hits, three RBIs and two runs scored.

Sacramento State was held at bay by Fresno State starter Eddie Romero (12-2). The left-hander pitched seven innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on nine hits.

Hornet starting right fielder Jim Strombach led the team with a 2-for-3 performance. The Aiea, Hawaii native doubled twice and also scored one of the Hornets’ runs. Strombach now has 13 doubles on the year.

Senior Ronnie Machado, Jr., making the start in center field, was 2-for-4 on the day with one run scored. The Tulare, Calif., native has now recorded multiple hits in his last two games.

The final game of the series is scheduled to start at noon on Sunday. Seniors Kyle Atrat, Brian Blauser, Matt Campbell, Brian Conradi, Travis Kane, Pat Keiper, Josh Levin, Ronnie Machado, Jr., Buddy Morales, Everet Rincon, Jim Strombach and James Wheeler will be honored prior to the game.

The game can be heard on www.hornetsports.com with Dylan McKenzie providing the play-by-play. To access the broadcast, click on the Live Audio link at the top of the page and scroll down to baseball.