SAN MARCOS – Chico State baseball dropped the series finale to Cal State San Marcos 10-8 on a walkoff homerun Sunday afternoon. Just a day after the Wildcats bullpen shined in a comeback win over Cal State San Marcos, they couldn't manage to hold a five run lead and the team's eight-game win streak came to an end. 
 
The 'Cats still walk away from the weekend with a series win. But they certainly had a sweep in mind. It would have been their third in a row. The offense remained hot with eight runs and 14 hits, five of which were for extra bases. The pitching staff struggled late in the game, allowing eight runs in the final four innings.  
 
Dillon Kelley and Ben Gamba led the way for Chico State, both racking up three hits in five trips to the plate. They combined for three extra base knocks and four RBI while each scoring a run. Sonny Cortez and Josh Falco added two hits. Cortez extended his hitting streak to 13 games and his on-base streak to 24. Gamba has hit safely in 11 straight and reached base safely in 16 in a row.
 

The Cougars' hitters, which ranked second in the conference in batting average behind Chico State going into the weekend, finally showed themselves in the final game. Clinton Perez went 2-4 with three RBI including the game winner in the bottom of the ninth. Cal State San Marcos did a majority of its damage in the sixth inning, plating six runs to take the lead for the first time. 
 
Both teams scored a few early and the 'Cats held a two-run lead through five innings. In the top of the sixth, the Wildcats put up a three spot and seemed to break open the game. The bottom half of the inning proved that was not the case. 
 
Simply put, San Marcos' inning included: six runs on six hits and two walks. Chico State used three pitchers as the Cougars sent 11 batters to the plate. Dalton Erb loaded the bases to start the inning and was removed for Peter Lecce. Lecce gave up back-to-back hits before the first out of the inning with the 'Cats lead down to two. The move was then made for Noah Villegas, who gave up two hits, a walk, and a sacrifice fly before recording the final out of the inning. When the dust cleared, the Cougars led 8-7. 
 
As they have all year, the 'Cats would scratch back. In the top of the eighth with the score the same, Jimbo Pernetti delivered a pinch-hit solo shot over the left field wall. His first homer of the season and first as a 'Cat came just as the team needed it most and the score was tied headed to the ninth. 
 
Saturday's winning pitcher Steven Baker took the mound for the bottom half of the inning. After getting a quick out and walking a batter, Clinton Perez came to the plate and promptly ended the game and the 'Cats' hopes of completing the sweep. 
 
Chico State falls to 22-7 overall, 12-5 in conference play and holds a two-and-a-half game lead in its division. Cal State San Marcos improves to 16-18 and 8-14 in conference. 
 
The Wildcats will be back in action on Tuesday to finish their rain-delayed series against Cal State East Bay in Hayward. The will finish the second game of that series, currently in the eighth inning, then finish the two remaining games in the series with a doubleheader. Those games will be broadcast online only. Fans can listen online and/or follow the livestats via links provided in the calendar section and on the baseball schedule page at www.chicowildcats.com.