The win evened the two-game series at 1-1 and improved UCI to 30-22 overall and 11-6 in the Big West Conference. The Hornets, who had won four of their last six games, fell to 19-30 overall and 1-16 in league games.

Sacramento State scored the game's first run when Ryan Brown homered in the first inning. UC Irvine matched the run in the bottom of the first on a single by Chris Klemm.

The Anteaters took their first lead of the game in the second inning with two runs. The team scored the first run on a single by Anderson before R.J. Brown drew a bases-loaded walk to make the score, 3-1. UCI added to its lead in the third behind a solo home run from Jaime Martinez and a sacrifice fly from Anderson.

The Hornets rallied in the fourth inning for four runs to tie the game, 5-5. With one out, Bobby Ciani and Bret LeVier each doubled and Matt Wilson and Tito Barba each added singles. Brown then singled to left plating Wilson and Barba to knot the game.

The game remained tied until Anderson singled up the middle to put UCI on top to stay. The team added another run in the seventh and three in the eighth to put the game out of reach.

Glenn Swanson threw 5.2 innings and struck out six to improve to 8-4. Paul French tossed the final 3.1 innings and also fanned six to pick up his first save of the year.

Sophomore Marshall Plouffe lasted just three innings in the loss.

The Sacramento State offense was paced by Brown. The senior who has been on a torrid pace over the last 13 games, was 3-for-5 and drove in three runs. Tim Reimer and Wilson also added a pair of hits.

Aside from Anderson, the Anteaters were guided by B.J. Eucce who was 3-for-5 and scored three runs.

The two teams will conclude the three-game series on Sunday at 1 p.m.

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