MESA, Ariz. - After giving up six runs in the top of the first, Sacramento State calmed down and took control to earn a 8-7 win over Northern Colorado in game one of the 2016 WAC Baseball Tournament at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz.
The Bears exploded out of the gate, putting up six runs on just five hits to chase Hornet ace Max Karnos after just one inning. The Hornets scored two runs in the bottom of the first to get on the borad and a two-run home run by Chris Lewis in teh bottom of the third pulled Sacramento State back within a pair.
After Sacramento State scored in the bottom of the fifth,, the Bears briefly extended the lead on a suicide squeeze by Jaked Ek that scored Cam Huber to give UNC the 7-5 lead. The advantage didn't last long as Gunner Pollman scored on a double by Brandon Hunley and PJ Floyd hit a two-run home run into the bullpens to give Sacramento State their first lead of the game as the Hornets held on for the 8-7 win.
Austin Root picked up the win for Sacramento State, allowing one run on five hits in five innings of relief. Tyler Beardsley earned his 11th save of the season as the Hornets advanced to play either NM State or Seattle U on Saturday. Allen Cook took the loss for Northern Colorado, allowing four runs on five hits in three and a third innings pitched.