CHICO, Calif. - A day with rotating climates was eventually capped with the 'Cats stealing the second game over the 'Jacks, opening the series with a split. 
 
After last weekend's split with the Toros, the 'Cats needed to pick up some much-needed wins to bolster their standing in the CCAA. With the split, the 'Cats record improves to 14-10 (6-8 CCAA), sitting seventh in the conference ladder. 
 
Game 1 | Chico 0, CPH 6 
 
A slow start at the plate for the Wildcats offense after only securing a pair of hits, coming off the bats of Hannah Levy and Marissa Anderson.  
 
Combined with a challenging outing for Amelie Valdez and Chloey Swenson of the pitching staff, the Lumberjacks were on top of each pitch, making it difficult to strike out the visitors.  
 
Game 2 | Chico 4, CPH 3
 
The second game started with a flurry of ominous clouds headed for the area, eventually bringing an intense downpour and nearby lightning to cause a delay after both times struck for a single run each. 
 
Following the delay, CPH was the first team to strike, adding a single run to their established score in the third inning with a home run to center field. An incredible reaction from the Wildcats dugout as they stole the lead with a pair of runs after Aiyana Curry blasted a shot down the left-field line to give the go-ahead for Brianna Swihart and Kennedy Gustin to score. 
 
A subsequent run in the fifth inning for the Lumberjacks was not enough to take the second game of the day as the 'Cats strung together a formidable sixth inning to take a single run lead 4-3. With a line drive at the third base, Jack's defender could not make a play, and Bella Tavares made it home safely without challenge. 
 
Kylie Loertscher retired six Lumberjacks, Bella Tavares relieved for the freshman and shut out the visitors with no hits and no runs in the two innings to close out the win for the 'Cats. 
 
They are back at Wildcat Field on Saturday due to poor conditions expected on Friday, with the first pitch to close out the series at 11 AM.