Things are already tight atop the California Collegiate Athletic Association baseball standings. Just a game and a half separates the top four teams and the top five are divided by two games in the loss column.

Every game is important.

For 11th-ranked Chico State (16-5) that includes this weekend's four-game series at Cal State Stanislaus. The Wildcats are currently tied for second in the CCAA at 8-4, a half game behind conference leader Cal Poly Pomona (13-6).

Cal State Stanislaus is 8-14 overall and 4-11 in the CCAA.

The Wildcats and Warriors will tangle under the lights for the first time at Warrior Baseball Field. Lights were installed before the start of the season.

The series begins with a single game Friday at 6 p.m., continues with a doubleheader Saturday at 2 p.m. and concludes with a single game Sunday at noon.

Pitching a defense have been the Wildcats' strengths thus far. Chico State ranks sixth in the nation in double plays and fielding percentage. The pitching staff is second in the nation with six shutouts and ninth in WHIP.

Luke Barker ranks 10th in the nation with five saves and 19th in the nation with a 0.74 WHIP. Nick Baker and Brad Lohse are also among the national leaders in WHIP and are tied for 32nd in the nation with teammate Marcos Lara with four wins apiece.