Chris Kinsey has now struck out 17 batters in 11 innings.

The win improved the Hornets to 5-1 overall and gave the team its best start since the 1991 team also began the season by winning five of its first six games. The Warriors dropped to 3-3-1.

Sacramento State recorded season highs for runs scored and hits (15). Eleven Hornet players had at least one hit. The group was led by Blauser who was making his second start of the season. Freshman Jim Strombach and junior Mikela Olsen also added a pair of hits.

The Hornets scored in each of the first four innings to take control of the game. Starting pitcher Chris Kinsey homered in the bottom of the first inning to give the team a 1-0 lead. In the second, Blauser drove in one run with a single and senior Tim Reimer singled to plate two more runners. The team stretched its lead to 7-0 in the third inning on a three-run home run by sophomore Matt Wilson and added two more runs in the fourth on a triple by Olsen.

The nine-run cushion proved to be plenty for Kinsey who improved to 1-0 this season. The junior from Elk Grove, Calif., tossed 5.0 innings and allowed just two hits while striking out five and walking two. In 11 innings of work this season, Kinsey has now struck out 17 without giving up a run.

Freshmen Mel Cuckovich (two innings), Chris Mols (one inning) and Dan Smith (one inning) completed the game for Sacramento State.

Cal State Stanislaus was paced at the plate by Hector Alaniz and Tucker Vasquez who each had two hits. John Guenette was dealt the loss for the Warriors after surrendering seven runs in 2.2 innings.

Sacramento State will next travel to Hawai‘i to take on the Warriors in a three-game series (Feb. 14-16). The team’s next home game will be Friday, Feb. 21, against Saint Mary’s at 2 p.m.

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