Despite going 12-4 while playing their first 16 California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) games on the road, some whispers regarding a “weak” schedule have made their way back to Chico. Though it’s safe to say that the Wildcats, currently atop the CCAA standings at 14-4, would disagree that their schedule has been weak, they can quiet any doubters for good with a good showing over the next two weekends.
Fifth-place Cal State San Bernardino is in town four a four-game series this weekend beginning with a single game Friday at 6 PM. The series continues with a noon doubleheader Saturday and concludes with a single game Sunday at 11 AM. Third-place Cal State L.A. will visit the following weekend to wrap up the Wildcats’ 10-game home stand.
The 20-5 Wildcats’ rise to No. 7 in the national rankings would not have been possible without their strong road record of 13-5. But they’ve also taken full advantage of every opportunity to play at Nettleton Stadium, winning all seven of their games there this season to stretch their home winning streak to 14 in a row.
That streak will certainly be tested against Cal State San Bernardino. The Coyotes will be out for some revenge after the Wildcats came back from a 15-5 deficit to win 16-15 in a CCAA Championship Tournament elimination game last season.
Click here to hear highlights from “The Comeback at Klein.” The teams split a four-game series in Southern California earlier in the year.
Cal State San Bernardino has been on the road as much as the Wildcats. The Coyotes, 13-13 overall and 10-8 in the CCAA, are 10-8 away from home. Most impressively, they split a four-game series at Cal State L.A. earlier this season.
Aggressive pitching, strong defense and timely hitting have keyed the Wildcats’ success thus far. The Wildcats entered the week ranked No. 15 in the nation in walks allowed per nine innings (2.73) and third in fielding percentage (.977). They’ve come from behind to win 10 times and rallied from two or more runs down to win seven times. They’ve taken the lead for good in their final two at-bats eight times.
The offense has received a big lift of late from the top of the order. Leadoff hitter TJ Yasuhara has hit safely in 11 straight games and No. 2 hitter Cody Foster is riding a 13-game hitting streak.
Friday’s game will be available locally on AM 1340 ESPN Radio and the action on Saturday and Sunday can be heard on AM 1290 KPAY. All four broadcasts will also be streamed live at www.chicowildcats.com. Just click on the Wildcat Webcast link on the right side of the page.
