Another solid performance from starter Alvaro Orozco combined with timely hitting and four UC Davis errors pushed the Hornets ahead of their rivals 7-5 Friday at Hornet Field. The win is Sacramento State’s third victory in their last four contests and gives the Hornets (5-11) an early lead in the three game weekend series against the Aggies (4-11).

Orozco, who allowed just one earned run at Louisiana Tech in the WAC opener March 2, peppered eight hits over seven innings, surrendering three runs. The lone blemish on Orozco’s line came in the third inning when he gave up three consecutive RBI hits to the Aggies with two outs.

“(Orozco) did a great job today, he came in and got another win for us,” first baseman Gabe Jacobo said.

The key hit in the game came from Hornets’ shortstop Patrick Cummins with two outs in the sixth inning and the bases jammed. Behind in the count, Cummins hit a soft single to shallow center to score designated hitter Jeff Hannah and center fielder Tim Wheeler. The two RBI single gave the Hornets a 5-3 lead they would not relinquish.

“That was huge,” Orozco said. “I was sitting in the dugout thinking we need some runs right now, and he came through.”

A solo blast by Jacobo into the left-center power alley in the sixth padded the Hornet lead to 6-3 and gave Sac State and Orozco room to breathe.

Orozco said that the home run was significant because it allowed him to play more relaxed and aggressively. He added that anytime a pitcher has a lead of three or more runs, it makes it easier to pitch because he can challenge batters around the strike zone without fear.

“It’s huge because I know they need a grand slam to take the lead.” Orozco said.

Davis made a last ditch effort to come back in the ninth, getting to reliever Mitch Lively for two runs on three hits before he shut the door on the Aggies. Lively struck out Aggies clean up man Aaron Hanke to end the game.

Sac State will return the favor and cross the causeway to visit the Aggies at 1 p.m. Saturday. Davis will return to Sacramento at 1 p.m. Sunday to complete the series.