McCain’s home run proved to be the game-winning blast as the Hornet offense could muster just five hits (three from senior Erin Coyne and two from junior Lindy Winkler) off DiPietro. With the loss, Sacramento State had its three-game winning streak snapped while dropping to 8-4. Auburn, which entered the game with a .324 team batting average, improved to 15-4 with the victory.

Sacramento State has now played in seven one-run games this year, winning five of those contests.

Senior right-hander Brianne Ferguson (4-2) suffered the loss despite allowing Auburn’s high-powered offense just two runs and nine hits over seven innings. Ferguson allowed at least one hit in every inning, but was able to escape trouble throughout the game, stranding 11 Auburn runners on the basepaths.

The Hornets got their only run of the game in the third inning on a two-out, RBI-single from Coyne which scored Hilary Johnson. Sacramento State could have scored more in the inning, but Jessica Rojo was thrown out at the plate by Auburn right-fielder Sara Ghezzi after trying to score from second base on Winkler’s single.

Sacramento State failed to push a runner past first base from the fourth inning until the end of the game as DiPietro allowed just two hits after the third inning. The Hornets’ Nos. 4-9 hitter combined to go 0-for-14 in the game with three strikeouts.

DiPietro improved to 7-1 with the victory as she faced just six batters over the minimum.

The Hornets return to action tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 26) as the team is scheduled to face UC Davis (11 a.m.) and Texas Tech (7 p.m.).