The Sacramento State Hornets came out cold against the San Francisco Dons Tuesday at Hornet Field and lost what became an exciting match-up by a score of 12-7. Despite their slow start the Hornets were able to mount a small comeback starting in the seventh inning but the Dons’ early lead would prove insurmountable.

San Francisco leaped to an early lead starting in the third inning when they scored three runs. After a scoreless fourth, the Dons’ once again went on a scoring streak bringing home four more batters. The tear would continue in the sixth when the Dons’ scored yet another five runs and took a 12-0 lead into the seventh inning.

After the Hornets were able to hold the Dons’ scoreless in the top of the seventh they managed to bring in their first run, the only of the inning. Senior Blake Crosby made it on base with a lead-off double, and was able to score on a RBI single from junior Josh Powers.

Sacramento State continued their point production in the eighth inning and made it a competitive game again by scoring six runs. Senior Hunter Martinez led-off the inning with a walk and was followed by junior Justin Martinez who reached base with his first hit of the season. Junior Tim Wheeler was next at bat and was also walked which loaded the bases for Crosby who would be hit by a pitch which advanced the runners and brought in another run make the score 12-2.

The hornets point production in the sixth continued with an offensive showcase. Senior Jeff Roth stepped to the plate and hit a two run double down the left-field line to make the score 12-4. Roth was followed by Powers who stepped in for his second RBI single of the day bringing the score to 12-5. With two runners left on base, freshman Ivan Otsuka came to bat and blasted a double through the right-field side, which brought home both runners and further closed the gap to 12-7. The hit was the first of Otsuka’s career.

Otsuka was left on base in the eighth and the final inning went scoreless.

The game held standout performances for Both Squads. With two hits on the day, Crosby advances to a career high 18-game hitting streak. For the San Francisco Dons, senior Drew Johnson led the game in batting going 5-for-5. He also scored three runs.

Andrew McFadden can be reached at [email protected]