LOS ANGELES — Chico State couldn't hold an early lead Sunday afternoon, as Cal State LA stormed back for an 8–4 victory to clinch the CCAA series at Reeder Field.

With the loss, Chico State drops to 16-18 overall and 5-11 in the CCAA. Cal State LA improves to 18-15 overall and 8-8 in conference play.

The Wildcats came out swinging, plating three runs in the first inning and adding another in the second to build a 4-0 advantage. Myles Walton delivered a two-run single in the opening frame, while Jackson Snitko added a sacrifice fly and Ryan Melton followed with an RBI single in the second to extend the lead.

Cal State LA flipped the game in the third. After a leadoff error and a series of hits put pressure on the Wildcats, the Golden Eagles capitalized with five runs in the inning. Adam Axtell delivered the decisive blow with a three-run home run to right-center, turning a four-run deficit into a 5-4 lead.

The Golden Eagles added insurance in the fifth inning. Axtell struck again with an RBI double before Kai Penuelas launched a two-run homer to right field, stretching the lead to 8-4.

Chico State threatened at times but left 10 runners on base and was unable to push across another run after the second inning. Walton and Melton each recorded two hits, while Walton drove in a team-high two RBIs.

Jakob Poole made the start for Chico State, allowing three runs (two earned) over two innings. Tyler Eastham and Dane Padrnos followed in relief, while Manny Lopez closed out the final innings on the mound.

Wildcat Tidbits
– With the loss, Chico State still leads the all-time series with Cal State LA, 65-41-1, dating back to 1995.
– Dave Taylor, in his 20th season, is 605-358-0 as the head coach at Chico State. Taylor is also 720-452-1 in 24 years as an NCAA head coach.

Up Next
Chico State will get a shorter rest period as they return to Nettleton Stadium and open a four-game CCAA series with Cal State San Bernardino beginning Thursday at 6 p.m.