All nine players in the Chico State batting ordered scored in the first inning Friday and the 15^th-ranked Wildcats rolled to a 16-6 win over rival Sonoma State in the first of a four-game series at Nettleton Stadium. Chico State improved to 8-2 overall, including 7-0 at home, with the win in its conference opener. Sonoma State slipped to 3-7 overall and 0-1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The Wildcats have now won sixth straight and 13 of their last 14 contests against the Seawolves.
 
Jarret Lindsay's three-run double and Willie Lajoie's three-run dinger were the big blasts in the Wildcats' 10-run first inning. Grady Morgan, Jacob Jablonski, Jeffrey Ray, and Kyle Dobson delivered RBI-singles in the frame.
 
Dobson and Elijah Jackson each finished 3-for-3, while Morgan, Jablonski, and Ray racked up two hits apiece. Morgan has now hit safely in 10 games in a row. Dobson, starting at designated hitter, drove in three runs in his second start of the season and is now 8-for-13 at the plate. But Jackson was perhaps the player of the day. The shortstop had a stellar day defensively and at the plate.
 
Chico State starter Cody Gentry threw five frames to earn the win on the mound, improving to 3-0. He scattered five hits and allowed two runs, both earned. Cayden Castellanos was impressive in relief allowing a run and a walk while striking out a pair in an inning and a third.
 
In its seven home wins, Chico State has now outscored its opponents by a combined 101-21.
 
The Wildcats hope to keep trending in that direction as the series continues with a doubleheader Saturday at noon before concluding with a single game Sunday at noon. Saturday's first game and Sunday's series finale will be broadcast locally on AM-1290 KPAY radio and streamed on the CCAA Network, with Mike Baca on the call. Saturday's second game will be broadcast locally on FM–93.9 KPAY. Links to streaming audio for all three games, as well as live stats, and the two games available on the CCAA Network, can be found at www.chicowildcats.com in the calendar section on the homepage and on the baseball schedule page.
 
HELP US PACK THE PANTRY!
It's Chico State Athletics Pack the Pantry Week and we have set a big goal—10,000 items—which would break the record we set last year. We need your help to reach it. You can donate monetarily HERE and every dollar will count for two items. You can also drop off a donation at any of Chico State Athletics' basketball, softball, and baseball games Saturday and Sunday. Thank you for your support of Chico State's students, including student-athletes!
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