SACRAMENTO (Interstat) — Rayner Heinrich hit a three-run homer and Carson Lorch added a two-run shot during a seven-run third inning as Tarleton State routed Sacramento State 15-4 on Friday night at John Smith Field.

The Texans, who lost the series opener 8-5 on Thursday, improved to 34-18 overall and 18-12 in Western Athletic Conference play. The Hornets dropped to 25-30 and 12-17.

Heinrich finished with three hits and four RBIs. Lorch reached base three times, scored three runs and drove in two. Cage McCloud hit a grand slam during a six-run fifth inning and had three hits and five RBIs. Ike Shirey collected three hits and scored three times. Mason Kirk tripled, singled and drove in a run. Ethan Wendel started on the mound and pitched four innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out three.

For Sacramento State, Luis Pimentel-Guerrero homered and drove in two runs. Adam Enyart pitched 1 2/3 innings of relief and allowed one unearned run.

The game was scoreless after two innings. In the top of the third, Heinrich launched a three-run homer to left field after Jake Tatom doubled and Keaton Johnson walked. Lorch followed with a two-run homer down the left-field line. Kirk tripled and scored on a single by Sebastian Guerra.

Heinrich doubled to lead off the fourth and scored on Shirey’s single. Shirey stole second and later scored on a groundout.

The Hornets got on the board in the bottom of the fourth when Pimentel-Guerrero hit a two-run homer to right.

Tarleton State broke the game open in the fifth. After Johnson and Tatom walked, Heinrich sacrificed them over. McCloud singled to center to drive in Johnson. After McCloud stole second and Lorch walked, Shirey reached on a fielder’s choice that scored Tatom. Cage McCloud then hit a grand slam to right field. Heinrich later walked with the bases loaded to force in a run.

Sacramento State scored twice in the bottom of the fifth on a passed ball and another passed ball that allowed a run to score.

Jackson Elizondo pitched the sixth and allowed one hit. Tai Phetluangsy worked a scoreless seventh, striking out three.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected an 8-5 Tarleton State win, while Interstat’s ELO system gave Sacramento State a 50.30 percent probability to win.

The teams close the three-game series Saturday.