Box Score LOS ANGELES – Give a good team a lot of free baserunners, and the results will rarely go your way. Cal State L.A. learned that basic baseball lesson the hard way Friday – although the Golden Eagles held Chico State to just six hits on the night, the Wildcats took advantage of five walks, three hit batters and two wild pitches to record a 7-3 victory in the opener of a four-game series at Reeder Field.
The win improved Chico State's season record to 14-4 and 6-3 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Cal State L.A. fell to 10-12 overall and 8-8 in conference play.
Ryan McClellan was the Wildcats' hitting star Friday, going 3-for-4 and knocking in three runs on the night. Eric Angerer was also a big contributor to the Chico State attack, reaching base three times, scoring twice and homering for the first time this season.
Wildcats' starting pitcher Derek Sesma held Cal State L.A. hitless through the first four innings, but in the bottom of the fifth Casey Ryan's single up the middle plated Trent Zaks to put the Golden Eagles on top 1-0.
Chico State answered in the top of the sixth, tying the game without the benefit of a hit. Two walks and a hit batter loaded the bases, setting the stage for pinch-hitter Clayton Gelfand, who coaxed a free pass to force home Angerer. McClellan followed with a bases-clearing single to right field to put the 'Cats in front 4-1.
The Wildcats extended their lead to 5-1 in the top of the seventh inning on Angerer's solo homer to left. Cal State L.A. plated a pair in its half of the frame, but Luke Barker came in from the 'Cats bullpen to get the final out and keep the damage to a minimum.
Chico State plated a pair of insurance runs – Gelfand scored from third on a wild pitch in the top of the eighth inning, and in the ninth Cody Slader walked, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout and scored on Ryne Clark's squeeze bunt. With a little extra breathing room, Barker tossed a scoreless eighth and ninth inning to secure the 'Cats' series-opening 7-3 win. Reliever Robert Hook (1-0) got credit for the victory, with Barker notching his fifth save of the season.
The Wildcats and Golden Eagles continue their four-game series Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.
