SACRAMENTO - Right-hander Marissa Bertuccio was brilliant over seven innings, and Nikki Barboza's sacrifice fly in the sixth proved to be the game-winning run as the Hornets defeated Alabama State, 2-1, on the third day of the Capital Classic.

The Hornets improved to 4-0 at the four-day tournament while winning their fifth straight game overall, and eight of the last nine. Sacramento State won games on its home field on Thursday (1), Friday (2) and today (1) as part of tourney play. The Hornets conclude the Capital Classic tomorrow with a road game at UC Davis. First pitch is 3 p.m.

The Hornets' wins during the tournament have come against Siena, Southern Utah, Saint Mary's and Alabama State. In today's game, both teams had to wait out a two hour and 47 minute rain delay.

Bertuccio tossed her sixth complete game of the season, allowing just four hits and one run over seven innings. She walked one and struck out a season-high 10 batters. That included a game-ending strikeout in the seventh with runners at second and third. She threw 109 pitches while improving to 6-3 with a 2.08 ERA. Bertuccio has won six straight decisions dating back to Feb. 17.

The Hornets never trailed, taking a 1-0 lead in the second after Katie Marsh lined a 3-0 pitch to the wall which allowed Nikki Barboza to score. After Alabama State tied things at 1-1 in the top of the sixth, it was Barboza's sacrifice fly that scored pinch runner Kennedy Echols with what proved to be the game-winning run. The two teams combined for just nine hits, as the Hornets received knocks from Jada Walker, Gwen Ludwig, Carley Morfey, Alexis Parish and Marsh. Third baseman Lewa Day saw her eight-game hitting streak come to a close.

During the four games thus far at the Capital Classic, Sacramento State's pitching staff has registered a 0.52 ERA while the offense is batting .379. That includes Ludwig who is hitting .538 (7-for-13) in tournament play with four runs, a double and five RBIs. Morfey, Parish and Barboza are all hitting .500 during the tournament.

Sunday's game at UC Davis will mark the second time the Hornets have faced the Aggies. UC Davis won in both teams' season opener, 2-1, at Shea Stadium on Feb. 9.