SAN JOSE, Calif. – All season long San Jose State’s bullpen has been strong, compiling an 11-2 record and a 2.84 ERA. That was until they played Sacramento State Friday night.

After only coming through with a pair of hits against the San Jose State starting pitcher Johnny Melero, the Hornets offense exploded with seven runs in the final four innings to take the first game of the series, 7-2.

“Their pitcher was really good and fortunately for us they took him out of the game,” said head coach Reggie Christiansen.

After giving up a pair of runs in the first two innings, outfielder David Del Grande ignited the offense when he singled down the third baseline with the bases loaded in the sixth inning to tie the score, 2-2.

It was his 13th and 14th RBIs of the season.

“I was just trying to get it to the outfield and stay out of the double play,” Del Grande said. “I got some good pitches that I missed but I got ahold of one.”

Three batters later, shortstop Scotty Burcham walked with the bases loaded to take the lead.

“They had everything going and to take the momentum from them was huge,” Del Grande said.

The Hornets’ offense would not let up when senior Trevor Paine smashed a home run over the left field wall.

It was his first home run this season after hitting a career-high 10 homeruns in 2011.

After a pair of singles by Clay Cederquist and Scotty Burcham, outfielder Justin Higley doubled off the wall to drive in two more runs.

“It was a great team win today,” Christiansen said. “Winning on Friday especially on the road is tough to do. “

Sac State starting pitcher Dallas Chadwick pitched a complete game and only allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out three.

With Chadwick now leading the team with three wins and a 3.63 ERA in Western Athletic Conference play, Christiansen said he had no problem letting him pitch nine innings.

“Dallas was going good and with a five-run lead there was no reason to use our bullpen,” Christiansen said. “It will definitely help us tomorrow and the rest of the weekend having those guys healthy.”

Sac State came into the series with the Spartans with only 19 wins in 55 games since 1990 and prior have lost three out of the last four meetings.

With the win, the Hornets now improve to 23-19 (6-4).

The series will continue Sunday when pitcher Tanner Mendonca will make his 10th start of the season. First pitch is at 1 p.m.

Ryan Kuhn can be reached at @rskuhn