Sacramento State’s baseball team got off to a quick start in a home game againstUCDavis, but it took a key defensive play to beat the Aggies 6-4.

The Hornets led 6-2 after the three innings but the Aggies rallied back with runs in the seventh and eighth, and loaded the bases in the ninth withUCDavis’ best power hitter, Scott Lyman at the plate to face pitcher Brandon Sandoval.

Sandoval snuck in strike one with a corner fastball. He tried to throw the same pitch again, but got a different result.

“He hit it. It came right back to me. I didn’t have time to think,” Sandoval said. “It hit me.”

Sandoval swung his glove behind his back and without looking he snagged the ball after it bounced off his hip. Sandoval turned and threw home for one out, then catcher Justin Lamb threw to first for the double-play that ended the game &- dashing an Aggie comeback.

Sandoval had a stressful ninth inning before the double play. He had two-runners on when he threw a wild pitch 10 feet off the plate and over the head of theUCDavis batter.

The wild pitch allowed both runners to advance to second and third. It appeared Sandoval was dealing with control issues after walking the next batter but a visit from pitching coach Thad Johnson settled down Sandoval, who made his first appearance of the season.

Shortstop Kirby Young had a two-run home run in the second to give the Hornets a 6-1 lead.

“I knew it was gone after I hit it,” Young said. “I’ll hit a couple home runs here and there, but I’m a doubles hitter.”

Designated hitter BrentHottmandrove in three runs with a bases-clearing double in the first inning.

The Hornets are 3-5 on the season with all three wins coming againstUCDavis.

Sac State travels to the University of Pacific on Wednesday to meet up with the Tigers at 6:05p.m.

You can reach Joe Fleming at [email protected]