Baseball team off to hot start in 2017

The State Hornet


Sacramento State sophomore James Outman celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against Northern Kentucky at John Smith Field on Feb. 26. (Photo by Cameron Leng)
Despite initial cold and rainy weather, the Sacramento State baseball team has been heating up the John Smith Field as it begins the 2017 season.
After hosting its two opening series this season, Sac State has won five of its six total games. The Hornets took two games out of their three-game series against Power Five school Washington State — despite rain delays — and swept the four-game series over Northern Kentucky from Feb. 23-26.
Weather dampened the excitement of opening night under the lights after the first game of the season was postponed against Washington State to the following afternoon as a part of a doubleheader on Feb. 18.
“It was a disappointment for the players — to have the lead up and anticipation of opening day — then for it to get rained out,” Sac State coach Reggie Christiansen said. “I was more worried about getting here on Saturday (and) getting the field ready to play two games.”
The Hornets won the first game of the doubleheader against the Cougars 10-2 after right-handed senior pitcher Justin Dillon allowed only one hit. Sac State won the second game 6-4, but failed to complete the sweep after falling 4-3 despite freshman pitcher Parker Brahms only allowing one run on four hits in six innings during his collegiate debut.
The series with Washington State was supposed to be a four-game affair, but heavy rain came back and the first game was cancelled. Clear skies returned on Feb. 23 as Dillon — who struck out a career-high 13 batters — threw the first NCAA Division I no-hitter in program history en route to a 2-0 series opening win against Northern Kentucky.
Sacramento State senior right-handed pitcher Justin Dillon pitches the ball towards home plate for the final ...

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