With the Hornets’ pitching staff struggling for most of the game, Sacramento State softball was defeated by rival UC Davis by the score of 9-1 Tuesday evening at La Rue Field.

The game concluded after five innings due to the Aggies having an eight-run lead, which led to the mercy rule in the NCAA. It was the Hornets’ third game this season that they lost in five innings.

The women are riding a three-game losing streak and dropped their record to 7-12.

The game ended with the opposing Aggies scoring their last run in bottom of the fifth with a Christa Castello RBI groundout that would score Krista Bava.

The Aggies scored at least one run in each of the five innings.

UC Davis’ offense had a total of nine hits, led by the bats of Castello and first baseman Amy Nunez. Castello went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and scored two runs. Nunez went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and one run scored.

Two of Castello’s RBIs came in the bottom of the second inning when she tripled down the right field line, scoring Brianna Warner and Bava. She would go on to score on an illegal pitch by Hornets’ pitcher Caitlin Brooks that would have the Aggies lead at 4-1.

In the top of the third inning, the Hornets’ Paige Martin would get her team on the board when she doubled to center field, scoring Mackenzie Wayadande. This was the only run they would score all game.

The Aggies would go on to score three more runs in the bottom of the third inning with two RBI doubles by Kelly Zboralske and Ashley Lotoszynski. Warner would reach on base later in the inning on a fielder’s choice that would score Lotoszynski.

Sac State’s Brooks received her second loss of the season and lasted only 1 1/3 innings. She struggled in the game, allowing four walks and earned runs causing her appearance to be cut short.

The right-hander’s struggles comes after being named Big Sky Pitcher of the Week, her 10th time of her career receiving the award and first time this season.

After Brooks’ departure, freshman Celina Matthias came into relief and only lasted 2/3 of an inning. Matthias allowed three hits and earned runs to the Aggies.

Junior Kaitlyn Yerby pitched the last 2 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and two runs.

“We have to make adjustments and execute,” said Sac State coach Lori Perez.

The Aggies’ starter Leah Munden received her fourth win of the season and kept the Hornets’ offense in check, allowing four hits and one earned run.

Martin had the best offensive performance for the Hornets, going 2-for-3 and credited with the only RBI on the team.

Kayla Papez and Marissa Maligad collected a hit as well.

Perez said her team needs to make adjustments on offense.

“We needed to do a better job of hitting the ball on the ball on the ground,” she said. “We had too much of lifting the ball in the air and kind of fell into their game plan.”

The Hornets will begin a 14-game homestand on Thursday, when they host the Penn State Nittany Lions at 3:15 p.m. It will be the first game of Sac State’s Capital Classic tournament which will continue through Sunday, March 15.