The No. 12 nationally ranked Fresno State Bulldogs proved to be too much talent for Sacramento State to handle, as the Hornets lost 7-3 on Friday.

The Hornets looked strong early when they tacked on a run in the first inning. They carried the one run lead into the top of the third frame, but the Bulldogs answered with four hits, two of which were misplayed bunts, that produced four runs – a lead Fresno State would not relinquish.

“I thought we played pretty good today. It was just the (third) inning when they scored four runs. When something like that happens it’s hard to come back, but we gave our best,” said junior catcher Derrick Chung. “It’s just what good teams do. They bunt to get on base, then hit doubles to score.”

Christiansen said that Fresno State is a much better team than Sac State at this time, and in order to win they will need to play very good baseball and rely on a strong outing from their two starting pitchers for the doubleheader against the Bulldogs that begins tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. at Sac State.

The top offensive player for the Hornets was senior infielder Kirby Young, who had three hits in four at-bats.

 “I’m starting to see the ball better and starting to put some hits together,” Young said. “We’re playing good baseball. We just aren’t getting those clutch hits to help you win the game.”

Christiansen said that once the heart of the lineup, including Young, can starting all hitting at once then the team will have more success.

You can reach Joe Fleming at [email protected]