POMONA – Since joining the Chico State baseball team last season, Marco Ibarra came in as a reliever. Although he came out of the bullpen in Saturday's game one at Cal Poly Pomona, the senior acted more like a starter as he threw six strong innings to give the Wildcats a 5-3 victory and his first win of the season.
The Broncos, however, responded in the nightcap by outslugging the Wildcats and take game two, 10-4, and split the doubleheader.
Game 1 – CHICO 5, CPP 3
Both sides were scoreless in the first two innings. It was the third inning when they each got on the board. Starting with the Wildcats (6-1, 1-2 CCAA), Michael Baker led off with a walk and with two down, Troy Kent came up with a clutch RBI single to center. Stefan Foley continued the inning with a base hit and Jesse Gadd was hit by the pitch to load the bases and setup a two-run single by Elijah Pascual.
The Broncos' half of the third saw a one-out double followed by a two-out single to make it a 3-1 Chico State lead.
Ethan Lay went three innings giving up two hits and a no walks before turning it over Ibarra. He went on to give up three hits in the game, one of which was a leadoff double in the sixth that turned into a run. He conceded an unearned run in the eighth. Ibarra only gave up three hits and two walks.
Chico State ended the game outhitting Cal Poly Pomona 8-5.
Game 2 – CPP 10, CHICO 4
Chico State ended up striking first by scoring two runs each in the first two innings. Starting with the opening frame, Phoenix Casias hit a one-out single. Foley also got on with a single through the left side and an error allowed Casias to score and put Foley to third. Daniel Vierra knocked Foley in with an RBI single to take a 2-0 lead.
One inning later, Neko Capsaliaris was hit by the pitch with one out and ninth-hitter Michael Baker hit a two-run home run to left to give the Wildcats a 4-0 lead.
Although the Broncos scored one run in the third, they blew the game open with a six-run third, a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth, giving Pomona a 10-4 lead.
Cal Poly Pomona ended the game outhitting Chico 13-6, including five for extra bases.
The Wildcats and Broncos wrap up the series Sunday at 11 a.m.
