A little more than halfway through the Chico State baseball team's trip to Turlock for this weekend's series against Stanislaus State, if the Wildcats glance to their left, they'll get a view of Banner Island Ballpark in downtown Stockton.
 
They are one good result away from getting a much better look.
 
Chico State enters the weekend just one win or one Sonoma State loss away from clinching a berth in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Championship Tournament, to be played at Banner Island, home of the Stockton Ports, Class-A affiliate of the Oakland A's.
 
But the hope to accomplish much more during the four-game set, scheduled to begin with a single game Friday at 6 p.m., continue with a doubleheader Saturday at 2 p.m., and conclude with a single game Sunday at noon.
 
The Wildcats, 30-16 overall, enter the weekend ranked No. 5 in the NCAA West Region rankings and hope to improve upon their resume. The champions of the Pacific West Conference regular season and CCAA Championship Tournament will receive bids, along with four at-large teams.
 
At 20-14 in conference play, Chico State is also only a half game behind Cal State Monterey Bay in the race for the North Division title.
 
To win the North Division, and secure a top-two seed in the upcoming CCAA Championships, the Wildcats' task is clear: win at least one more game than Cal State Monterey Bay and stave off Cal State East Bay, which enters the weekend two back of the Wildcats.
 
Cal State East Bay and Cal State Monterey Bay will play a four-game series this weekend.
 
A number of Chico State individuals have a chance to finish on top of the league in various statistical categories as well.
 
Sonny Cortez leads the league with 59 runs scored and ranks second with 70 hits.
 
Ben Gamba leads the CCAA with 55 RBI and needs just one more to move into Chico State's all-time top 10 for a single season.
 
Cameron Santos leads the league in triples (7) and stolen bases (20).
 
Clayton Gelfand, who will likely start Friday night, is tied for the CCAA lead with eight wins, ranks second in innings pitched and strikeouts, and third in earned run average.
 
All of Chico State's remaining games will be broadcast locally on AM-1290 KPAY. Fans can also listen to and/or follow the action via links to live audio and stats provided in the calendar section and on the baseball schedule page at www.chicowildcats.com.