Softball teams from all over the West Region found out first hand last weekend that if they’re going to get past Chico State this season, they’ll have to figure out how to beat Sam Baker. Certainly no one had the answer during the Mizuno Tournament of Champions in Turlock, as Baker was just this side of dominant, winning four contests – all complete game outings – allowing just one earned run and 13 hits (holding opposing batters to a miniscule .141 average) while striking out 34 in 30 innings of work. Baker’s prowess in the pitcher’s circle has earned the Chico State ace Wildcat of the Week honors.
Friday, Baker opened up the Mizuno Tournament of Champions by allowing just a run on five hits as Chico State beat No. 22 Hawaii Pacific 2-1. On Saturday, Baker once again went the distance, allowing just one unearned run in a 2-1 win over Grand Canyon, then later in the day twirled a two-hit shutout while striking out 11 in a 6-0 victory against Montana State-Billings. Baker wrapped up her impressive weekend Sunday, surrendering just one hit and fanning nine in a nine-inning complete game shutout, as the Wildcats downed No. 6 Western Washington 4-0. Baker also contributed on offense, driving in four runs in the tournament, including the ’Cats lone tallies in Sunday’s 5-2 loss to Hawaii Pacific in the Gold Bracket championship game.
Baker is already 14-3 on the season, with five shutouts and 14 complete games to her credit. She currently ranks second in the California Collegiate Athletic Association in wins and strikeouts (135), third in ERA (1.26) and fifth in innings pitched (116.1).
Baker and the Wildcats return to conference action this Friday and Saturday, hosting Humboldt State at University Softball Field.
