Sacramento State shut out No.21 Texas A&M behind a strong pitching performance by junior Ty Nichols in College Station, Texas, Friday.

The junior threw seven innings, striking out two and only giving up six hits in the 1-0 victory over the Aggies. It was Nichols second win on the season and his eighth of his Hornet career. His ERA now stands at 1.38 following his two quality starts.

Sophomore pitcher Sutter McLoughlin once again came in to close the game out, throwing two perfect innings earning his fourth save of the season. He had two saves in the season opening series against the University of Utah and one against Fresno State last Wednesday.

Following a six run outburst by the Hornet hitters against Fresno State, they were held to only one run against the Aggies. The score came in the fourth inning where junior first baseman Rhys Hoskins reached on an error. His pinch runner, freshman Brandon Hunley, was advanced to third on senior designated hitter Clay Cederquist’s single.

Two batters later, senior outfielder David Del Grande hit a 2-out single scoring Hunley and what would amount to be the game-winning run.

Texas A&M starting pitcher Daniel Mengden also had a productive night on the mound striking out nine batters in seven innings of work. Mengden was 8-4 and had a 2.11 ERA in 2013 for the Aggies.

Aggie bats were silent throughout the game as the Nichols-McLoughlin combo did not allow any runner past second base. Designated hitter Hunter Melton went 2-4 with two singles.

Sac State will continue its series Saturday at Texas A&M. First pitch is at 4:35 p.m.

Curtis Manlapig can be reached on Twitter @CTMstatehornet