Box Score TURLOCK – Luke Barker and Peter Miller are two of the unsung heroes of the 11th-ranked Chico State baseball team's strong start. They gave everyone a prime opportunity to sing their praises in Friday's 4-3 win at Cal State Stanislaus that moved the Wildcats into a tie for first place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

Barker threw three shutout innings, capped by Miller's laser to second base to get the final out of the game on an attempted steal.

The Wildcats improved to 17-5 overall and 9-4 in the CCAA and moved percentage points ahead of Cal Poly Pomona for first, along with Sonoma State.

Barker's save was his sixth of the season and his third of three innings or more. He stretched his scoreless innings streak to 17-plus innings in the process.

Miller became the Wildcats' everyday catcher when Jake Bailey went down with an injury and they haven't missed a beat. In fact, they're now 14-2 when Miller starts behind the plate. He's thrown out five of 12 runners attempting to steal. He's also helped lead the pitching staff to five shutouts and a 1.94 ERA in those 16 starts.

Ruben Padilla was once again the Wildcats' offensive standout with three hits, including an RBI double, and a stolen base. Ryne Clark and Cody Slader drove in runs with sacrifice fly.

The Wildcats watched a 3-0 lead evaporate but scored the winning run in the seventh. Ryne Clark drew a leadoff walk, moved to second on an error and third on Jeffrey Ortega's well-placed grounder. He scampered home on a wild pitch.

Robert Hook (2-0) got the win in relief of Derek Sesma. Sesma scattered six hits in five innings, allowing two earned runs in the fifth.

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