Box Score At least Chico State’s baseball fans could drown their sorrows in a Carl’s Jr. Western Bacon Cheeseburger after the game. The Wildcats dropped their fifth straight Friday, letting a 3-0 lead slip away en route to a 5-3 loss to Cal State L.A. to start a crucial four-game series at Nettleton Stadium.
Blake Gibbs’ momentous two-run blast that sailed well over the wall in center field gave the Wildcats a 2-0 lead, and because it came in the Carl’s Jr. Home Run Inning, won everyone in the stands a free cheeseburger. Cody Slader singled home another run later in the frame to give Chico State a 3-0 lead.
But that was the end of Chico State’s offensive success against Cal State L.A. starter Jordan Sechler, who threw a seven-hitter and his fifth complete game in 12 starts.
The defending California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Champion Wildcats fell two games out of first place behind Cal State L.A. and Cal State Monterey Bay with just three games to play.
Chico State has already clinched a berth in the CCAA Championship Tournament, but could find itself in danger of falling out of the West Region’s top six. The Wildcats entered the weekend ranked No. 5 in the West and Cal State L.A. 7th. The top five teams and the winner of the CCAA Championship Tournament will advance to the NCAA Championship Tournament West Regional.
The Wildcats had been 30-0 when leading after six innings, but Cal State L.A. put an end to that streak. Starting pitcher Nick Baker was cruising through five before allowing a run in the sixth and another in the seventh. But it all came apart with two down in the eighth.
A walk and consecutive singles loaded the bases before Niko Garcia ripped a three-run triple to right to give the Golden Eagles a 5-3 lead.
Ryne Clark went 3-for-4 with a double, stolen base, and run scored to pace Chico State’s offense.
The series continues with a doubleheader Saturday at noon and concludes with the regular-season finale Sunday at 11 a.m. Senior Day festivities will begin at 10:40 so get to Nettleton Stadium early.
