Saint Mary’s College only scored in two innings, but the Gaels made it count in handing Sacramento State its third loss in four games, this time 7-2 on Monday afternoon.

After Sac State freshman pitcher Ty Nichols gave up only one hit in his first three innings, he surrendered three consecutive singles followed by a double two batters later which drove in three runs. It was all head coach Reggie Christiansen needed to see to make a move to the bullpen.

Christiansen said he wanted to limit Nichols’ pitch count since it was the first time Nichols has pitched in a game since having Tommy John surgery last year.

“I thought he was okay today,” Christiansen said. “It was the first time he was on the mound in two years for him.”

Having to go to his bullpen early, the Hornets used six different relief pitchers who combined to give up four unearned runs on four hits.

“Our bullpen pitched really well but we didn’t play defense behind them,” Christiansen said.

The Hornets had a season high two errors and third baseman Rhys Hoskins said he agrees with his coach the defense needs to improve.

“I was disappointed,” Hoskins said. “I just have to look forward to the next opportunity on the field and put it behind me.”

In the sixth inning, the Gaels offense came to life once again when Saint Mary’s first baseman Troy Channing doubled for the second time in the game to drive in another run.

The Hornets had a chance to rally in the eighth inning when the trio of Trevor Paine, Clay Cederquist and Hoskins had consecutive hits to drive in a run but three consecutive fly outs quickly ended the threat.

Cederquist, who was picked for the preseason All-WAC team, is only batting .250 on the season with one RBI and no extra base hits, but he said he is not concerned with his early performance.

“There is no panic here, we know we are a good team,” Cederquist said. “Sure we are frustrated, but we are going to get right back on the horse this week.”

The Hornets return to the field when they play Seattle University for a three game set starting on Friday. First pitch is at 2 p.m.

Ryan Kuhn can be reached at @rskuhn