HAYWARD – Stefan Foley hit a three-run home run to break a three-run tie and began an eight-run eighth inning as the Chico State baseball team blew out Cal State East Bay 12-3 at Pioneer Field to open the four-game CCAA series.
The Wildcats (24-17, 18-14 CCAA) still hold on to fourth place in the conference standings with a .562 win percentage, maintaining a half-game lead over San Francisco State, which did both teams a favor by beating seventh-place Cal State LA, which is now at 14-19 (.424) in conference play. Third-place Cal Poly Pomona also helped the Wildcats and Gators by beating fifth-place Cal State Dominguez Hills in the evening to drop the Toros to 15-17 (.469). All teams now have seven games to play.
Chico State struck right away when Alexander Johnson opened the game with a walk and Carson Stevens homered. One inning later, Michael Baker led off with a single, took second on a walk drawn by Ernie Arambula and scored when Kaden Bass hit a single and a throwing error by the starting pitcher RJ Aranda put the Wildcats ahead 3-0.
East Bay (19-25, 11-41 CCAA) got on the board with a two-run third inning and eventually tied the game at three in the fifth.
Both teams would be held scoreless in the sixth and seventh innings. Chico State's big eighth inning began with Troy Kent and Jeremy Keller singling to left field, setting up for Foley's three-run shot to left center. Pinch-hitter Andrew drew a walk to start a new rally. Michael Baker single to put runners at the corners, Arambula laid down a successful bunt and reached first when the Pioneers thought Crane was going to score but instead retreated back to third and keep the bases loaded.
Pinch-hitter Ryan Blanchard drew a five-pitch walk to force in a run, Johnson hit a single to left to drive in two runs and in his second time at the plate in the inning, Kent doubled and drove in two runs to give Chico an 11-3 lead.
Casey Vogan, who came in as a defensive substitution in the bottom half of the eighth, hit a solo home run in the ninth to complete the 12-3 result.
Marco Ibarra threw seven innings in the game for Chico State, striking out four batters while issuing no walks on 110 pitches. He gave up the three runs on nine hits. Tyce Ochs and Dylan each threw an inning of relief for the Wildcats.
Chico State held a 12-11 edge in the hits column. Kent finished the day going 3-for-5, Foley and Baker each had two hits. Arambula went 0-for-2 but did impressively draw three walks.
The two teams will play the 9/7-inning doubleheader Saturday beginning at noon.
