Aggies grab series win over Sacramento State
Junior Daniel Johnson’s four hit, four RBI day helped the Aggies to a 6-4 win over Sacramento State, clinching the series. Johnson’s four-for-five performance at the plate included a two-run home run and two doubles, finishing just a triple shy of the cycle.
Sacramento State jumped on the board first in the top of the first inning. A leadoff single to left centerfield later would score on a single through the right side of the infield, putting the Hornets up 1-0.
The Aggies fought back and took the lead in the bottom of the third, as Brent Sakurai led off with a double to right field. On the next pitch, Daniel Johnson launched a no-doubter over the right field wall scoring two runs. Greg Popylisen followed it up with a double down the left field line. Dan Hetzel singled to left center, scoring Popylisen and putting NM State up 3-1.
The Hornets pulled within one run in the top of the fourth. Vinny Esposito blasted a solo shot to left on a 2-0 pitch to put the score at 3-2.
The Aggies added an insurance run, as Brent Sakurai singled to short and advanced to second on an E6. Daniel Johnson doubled to right center, driving in Sakurai.
NM State pulled away in the sixth, as Mason Fishback led off with a solo moon shot to left center. Trey Stine reached first on an E5. Brent Sakurai grounded out to third, but moved Stine to second. Daniel Johnson hit a laser to the right field corner, scoring Stine for his fourth RBI of the day.
Kyle Bradish pitched a fantastic six innings, only allowing two runs and five hits while striking out four Hornets. Chris Kucko, Tyler Erwin and Joe Galindo came in in relief and shutdown Sac State in the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings, respectively. Galindo closed out the ninth only allowing one hit and punching out three Hornets to secured the 6-2 win.
The two teams will face off in the series finale Sunday at noon.
