The Chico State baseball team is off to a historically good start in conference play at 21-3. There's no bigger reason than the play of Josh Falco. The senior outfielder and Wildcat of the Week is hitting .416 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) action, with 12 doubles, two home runs, and 16 runs batted in.
Falco's second home run of the season, a three-run shot Saturday at UC San Diego, helped lead the Wildcats to their lone victory in the three-game series featuring then-top-ranked Chico State and No. 7 UC San Diego.
Falco went 3-for-4 with two runs and four RBI in that game and has reached base safely in each of the Wildcats' CCAA contests. His .541 on-base percentage ranks second in the CCAA.
During this stretch in which he has reached base in 25 consecutive games, Falco is hitting .400 (32-for-80) and slugging .649. He has walked eight times, been plunked 12 times, scored 23 runs, and driven in 16.
Falco has been plunked 15 times this season, which leads the CCAA and ranks 10th in the nation, and 29 times in his career, which is tied for fifth most in school history.
Falco won't hesitate to take more for the team this weekend when the Wildcats host Cal State L.A. in a three-game series starting with a doubleheader Friday at 1 p.m.
