RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Interstat) — Gabriel Hernandez delivered a strong start and Cal State Northridge used a six-run sixth inning to defeat UC Riverside 9-6 on Thursday at Riverside Sports Complex.

The Matadors, who improved to 19-13, broke open a tight game by sending 11 batters to the plate in the sixth, capitalizing on two Highlanders errors to score six unearned runs. Vaughn Coleman keyed the rally with a two-run double.

Hernandez earned the win, allowing three earned runs over 6 2/3 innings. UC Riverside’s Jarren Sanderson hit a three-run homer in the ninth to tighten the final margin. Robert Pitts also homered for the Highlanders, who fell to 8-24.

Andrew Becker drove in two runs for Northridge. The teams continue their series Friday.