Chico State Athletics

Kagen Hopkins was the Chico State baseball team’s unquestioned staff ace in 2012. But the senior from Vacaville began this season pitching out of the bullpen. Sunday, Hopkins pitched as though he’s back to being an ace.

Hopkins threw a two-hit shutout to lead the Wildcats to a 3-0 win at Cal State East Bay and earn Wildcat of the Week honors. He struck out eight and walked two to improve to 3-0 on the season, including 2-0 in two starts.

He allowed a single in the third and a bunt single in the seventh. It wasn’t until the seventh that an East Bay runner reached second base. No one made it to third base all day against Hopkins.

Hopkins has now made five appearances on the season. He’s surrendered nine runs (eight earned) on 19 hits in 23 innings of work. Hopkins has struck out 20 and walked seven. Opponents are hitting just .224 against him. Hopkins is now 11-4 in two seasons with the Wildcats.

He’ll likely get another chance to start this weekend during the Wildcats’ four-game series with Cal State Stanislaus at Nettleton Stadium. The action gets under way Friday at 6 p.m., continues with a doubleheader Saturday at noon, and concludes with a single game Sunday at 11 a.m.