Both games were completed in five innings because of the eight-run mercy rule. With the victories, Long Beach State increased its winning streak to four games while improving to 34-17 overall and 12-5 in the Big West. Sacramento State dropped to 15-24 and 4-10 in the conference.

The 49ers' Carrie Hamilton combined for five hits and six RBIs, and Arleigh Thorp combined for five hits as the 49ers recorded 13 hits in the first game and 10 in the second game.

In the first game, Long Beach State scored three times in the first inning, six in the fourth and four more in the fifth to institute the mercy rule. The 49ers' Nos. 1-4 hitters combined to go 10-for-14 with 10 runs scored and six RBIs. Christina Zepeda (2-for-5), Natalie Walker (1-for-2), Thorp (4-for-4, three runs scored) and Hamilton (3-for-3, a home run, three runs scored and four RBIs) battered Sacramento State pitchers Jillian Bivert and Gina Steenburgen.

The big blows came via a first-inning, two-run double by Jamie Farnworth and a three-run homer by Hamilton in the fourth inning. Long Beach State had at least two hits in every inning but the second. Sacramento State scored its only runs in the bottom of the fourth on a bases-loaded walk to Lori Meixner, an RBI-single by Amber Dragomir and a throwing error allowing Amy Hillel to score. Dragomir finished the game with two hits.

Meredith Cervenka (20-4) got the win for the 49ers, allowing three runs (two earned) and seven hits in five innings. Bivert (5-12) picked up the loss, allowing six runs and nine hits in 3.1 innings.

In the second game, Long Beach State broke open the game with an eight-run fourth inning. The 49ers recorded eight hits and took advantage of three Hornet errors in the inning while scoring all eight runs with two outs. Long Beach State sent 14 batters to the plate as the inning was highlighted by a pair of two-run singles from Cassie Preece and Hamilton.

Natalie Walker finished with three hits and two RBIs for Long Beach State while Hamilton went 2-for-3 with two RBIs. All but two starters recorded at least one hit as Preece and Walker also finished with two RBIs.

Lindsey Knoff (13-12) picked up the win, allowing three hits while striking out three in five innings. Sophomore Nicole Deatherage (8-6) got the loss for the Hornets, allowing eight runs (three earned) and eight hits in 3.2 innings. Junior Kirsten Wise gave up one unearned run and two hits in 1.1 innings of relief.

After recording a hit in the first game of the doubleheader, senior Alison Norman went 0-for-2 in the second game, ending her season-high seven-game hitting streak.

Sacramento State and Long Beach State play the third and final game of the series tomorrow (April 21) at noon.