CHICO, Calif. – Backed by a season-long outing from starter Evan Tomlinson and a relentless offensive attack, Chico State opened its final regular-season series in commanding fashion Thursday night, defeating Stanislaus State 9–4 at Nettleton Stadium and lock up a spot to the CCAA Championships for the second consecutive season.
With the win, Chico State remains tied for fourth place in the CCAA standings with Cal State LA with three games to play. They hold a three-game lead over Cal State San Bernardino and Cal State San Marcos, which are playing their four-game conference series in the Inland Empire. Chico State and Cal State San Bernardino could virtually finish in a tie in the conference standings and the Wildcats own the tiebreaker based on them taking 3-of-4 from the Coyotes at Nettleton Stadium last month.
The Wildcats piled up 11 hits and took advantage of six Warrior errors, pushing across runs in five straight innings and riding a strong seven-and-two-thirds innings from Tomlinson, who improved to 8–1 on the year.
Thade Miller continued his torrid stretch at the plate, driving in three runs with a pair of hits, including a two-run single in the third that sparked a three-run rally. Ernie Arambula added two hits and three RBIs of his own, delivering run-scoring singles in both the fourth and seventh innings.
Chico State capitalized on a shaky defensive night from Stanislaus State (19–26, 14–21 CCAA), which committed two errors in the third inning alone—leading to a trio of unearned runs. The Wildcats also executed small ball effectively, dropping down four sacrifice bunts and stealing a base to keep pressure on the Warriors.
Tomlinson was in control from the start, scattering three hits over 7.2 innings and allowing just one earned run while striking out one. The only blemish came on a solo home run by Alex Solis in the fourth.
Dylan Adelman retired the first two batters to start the ninth inning but a two-out error allowed three unearned runs scored to briefly bring the Warriors within five, Aaron McCurley came on with the bases loaded and induced a game-ending groundout to earn his fourth save.
Michael Baker added two hits and an RBI, while Daniel Vierra reached base four times and scored three runs from the seventh spot in the order.
The Wildcats and Warriors return to Nettleton Stadium Friday for the 9/7-inning doubleheader with game one set to start at 1 p.m.
