The Sacramento State baseball team lost to New Mexico State Thursday, as the Aggies scored seven runs in the final two innings to win 11-4 at Hornet Stadium.

Hornet starting pitcher Robert Butler did all he could to contain the third-best hitting team in the nation, as he was able to go five innings. Butler, in those five innings of work, threw 101 pitches while giving up four earned runs on five hits. With the loss, his record fell to 1-1 in 12 appearances this season.

The Aggies started Justin Cooper, who was able to minimize the Hornets ability for big innings. Cooper went seven innings giving up three earned runs while walking six and striking out five. His record improved to 4-0 in 12 appearances.

Center fielder Justin Mezzaneras tried to put the Hornets on his back, as he went 3-5 at the plate, driving in four runs while hitting his third home run of the season in the second inning.

Mezzaneras said he felt comfortable at the plate while trying to be as productive as he could.

“I felt relaxed. I felt that my swing was smooth,” Mezzaneras said. “I was just trying to see the ball up and not chase pitches. I was just trying to stay in the middle and see each pitch as it comes.”

Head coach John Smith said the team had chances to go ahead late in the game but it was not able to take advantage of the opposing pitchers.

“We had some opportunities early in the game to be a head and we didn’t capitalize on situational hitting,” Smith said. “We chances and opportunities to put six to seven runs on the board and we didn’t do it. Our pitching did a good job for seven and two-thirds innings. We threw one bad pitch that changed the complexion of the game. In stead of being a one-run game going into the ninth, it was a seven- or eight-run game. “

Friday, the Hornets will start sophomore ace Jessie Darrah. Darrah said he will try to force his game plan by making Aggies hit only what he gives them.

“They lead the nation in hitting and they don’t make many mistakes,” Darrah said. “I am going to try to be aggressive with them and make them hit my pitches.”

Sac State may be without starting catcher Justin Lamb on Friday. Lamb has a slight groin tear that he is laboring with this season. He has been catching a lot of innings for the Hornets as well and has sore quadriceps muscles in his legs. Lamb is a game-time decision.

With the loss, Sac State’s record falls to 14-19-1 overall and 3-2 in Western Athletic Conference play. The Aggies improved to 28-12-1 overall and 2-1 in the WAC.

The Hornets will try to get revenge Friday at Hornet Field. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

Matt Harrington can be reached at [email protected]