CHICO, Calif. - In the opening game of the CCAA four-game series Friday evening, the Chico State baseball team faced a tough challenge against the three-time defending CCAA champions, Cal State Monterey Bay. Despite early leads by the Wildcats, they ultimately fell to the Otters with a final score of 11-4.

The Wildcats fall to 16-10 overall and 9-8 in the CCAA while the Otters move to 15-7 overall and 8-5 in conference play.

The Wildcats started strong, gaining an early advantage in the second inning with RBI singles from Jesse Gadd and Brady Wright. Michael Baker added two more runs in the third inning, bringing Chico State's lead to 4-0 with a significant 2-RBI single. Unfortunately, the Otters began their comeback in the fourth inning, reducing the deficit before ultimately taking control of the game. The key moment in the game came in the sixth inning when Jaden Sheppard of Monterey Bay hit a grand slam, securing a commanding lead for the Otters.

Despite the loss, there were notable performances from the Wildcats. Michael Baker had an impactful game with three hits and two RBIs, and Troy Kent contributed with two hits. Thade Miller recorded one hit but it was enough to run his hitting streak to 10 games, the longest stretch for the Wildcats this season.

Starting pitcher Tyce Ochs, making his first start of the year, went four innings with four strikeouts and giving up three earned runs before handing it off to the bullpen.

The Wildcats and Otters return for the traditional 9/7-inning doubleheader Saturday. Game one's first pitch is at 2 p.m.