The win improved Sacramento State to 9-6 overall while the Wolf Pack dropped to 8-8. The victory also ended the Hornets’ 11-game losing streak against Nevada which dated back May 5, 1998.

With the game tied, 5-5, entering the bottom of the ninth inning, James Holcomb walked Tim Reimer to start the inning. Freshman Everet Rincon followed with a bunt just out of the reach of Holcomb to place runners on first and second. Nevada opted to bring in Justin Sherman to face Chris Kinsey. Sherman, however, loaded the bases with a four-pitch walk to Kinsey. Sherman ended the game when he hit Wilson in the left shoulder forcing Reimer in from the third base.

The Wolf Pack opened the game in dramatic fashion. Center fielder Chris Dickerson drew a walk to start the game and Mike Gillies followed with a home run to left field to give the team a 2-0 lead. Jeff Tolotti was hit by a pitch, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. JaRell McIntyre drove Tolotti in with a single to center field to put Nevada up, 3-0, with no outs.

After Sacramento State starter Jeff Groeger was able to get out of the inning without any further damage, the Hornets responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning. The team scored its first run on a single by Joe Evans and added the second run on a single to right by Mario Celillo.

McIntyre added to the Wolf Pack lead in the third with his second home run of the season. The run was matched in the bottom of the inning when fellow Laguna Creek HS graduate Chris Kinsey hit his seventh home run of the year from the Sacramento State.

The Hornets took their first lead of the game in the sixth inning on a pair of sacrifice flies. Senior Ryan Brown flew out to right which allowed Wilson to score. Freshman Bret LeVier followed with what looked to be a sure three-run home run. Dickerson, however, reached over the center field fence to make the catch and hold the team to just one run. Nevada tied the game in the eighth inning on a solo homer by Curtis Wickwire.

After a rocky start, Groeger lasted eight innings for the Hornets. The senior allowed six hits and five earned runs while striking out five. Junior Dusty Decker pitched the ninth inning to improve to 2-1.

The Sacramento State offense was led by Celillo (2-for-3). Nevada was paced at the plate by McIntyre who was 3-for-4. Gillies also added a pair of hits.

The Hornets continue their five-game homestand this weekend against Washington State. The three-game series begins on Friday at 2 p.m.

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R H E

Nevada (8-8) 301 000 010 - 5 6 0

Sacramento State (9-6) 201 000 010 - 6 7 0

WP - Dusty Decker (2-1)

LP - James Holcomb (0-2)

Bryan Johnson, Ryan Leake (5), James Holcomb (6), Justin Sherman (9) and Tony Cappuccilli, Craig Markel (8); Jeff Groeger, Dusty Decker (9) and Joe Evans, Matt Wilson (6).

TOP HITTERS: NEV - JaRell McIntyre 3x4, HR; Mike Gillies 2x4; Curtis Wickwire HR. SAC - Mario Celillo 2x3; Chris Kinsey HR.