TURLOCK, Calif. — Each team delivered its share of offense Sunday afternoon, but it was a defensive gem that ultimately decided the finale. Michael Baker's brilliant diving play at shortstop in the ninth inning cut down the tying run and preserved Chico State's 8–7 victory over Stanislaus State, allowing the Wildcats to salvage a split of the four-game CCAA baseball series between the Highway 99 rivals.
With the win, Chico State moves to 21–21 overall and 10–14 in conference play. Stanislaus State drops to 18–22 overall and 9–14 in the CCAA standings.
The result also reshapes the postseason picture. The Wildcats leap back into seventh place, moving ahead of the Warriors, and remain firmly in the hunt for the fifth and final CCAA Tournament berth. With eight games remaining, Chico State sits just 1.5 games behind Cal State San Bernardino (11–12), while Cal State East Bay (11–13) currently holds sixth place between the two clubs. First-place Cal State Monterey Bay's sweep of the Coyotes this weekend helped keep that gap within reach.
Chico State wasted little time getting on the board, stringing together three hits in the first inning. Jared Cantu's RBI single plated Jaden Neugebauer to give the Wildcats an early 1–0 lead.
Stanislaus State answered immediately, as Zach Lewis launched a solo home run to left in the bottom half to even the score.
The Wildcats regained the lead in the second when Ryan Melton doubled and later scored on Jackson Snitko's sacrifice fly, but the Warriors responded again in the bottom of the inning. Mason Kelley's two-run homer pushed Stanislaus State in front 3–2.
The game swung decisively in the third inning. After loading the bases with two outs, Myles Walton delivered the biggest swing of the day—a go-ahead grand slam to left field that put Chico State on top 6–3. The sophomore drove in all four runs with two outs, continuing a strong weekend at the plate.
Chico State added to its lead in the sixth, capitalizing on a wild pitch that allowed Stefan Foley to score, extending the advantage to 7–3.
The Warriors chipped away late. A two-run seventh inning cut the deficit to 7–5, highlighted by a two-out rally that included a triple from Chase Wilson and an RBI single from Kelley.
The Wildcats responded in the eighth with an insurance run. Neugebauer singled and later scored on Roman Roberts' RBI hit, which proved critical as Stanislaus State continued to apply pressure.
Stanislaus State added another run in the eighth on a sacrifice fly and made it a one-run game in the ninth when Eli Hancock led off with a solo home run to right field.
Stanislaus State put the tying run in scoring position and the go-ahead run aboard with two outs, but Baker ended the threat with a full-extension diving catch on a line drive up the middle. The play secured the final out and sealed the Wildcats' 8–7 victory.
Jakob Poole provided a steady start on the mound, striking out three over four innings, while Dane Padrnos earned the win in relief. Nathan Hikes closed the door in the ninth to pick up the save.
At the plate, Roberts led the Wildcats with three hits and an RBI, while Walton's grand slam accounted for half of Chico State's runs. Neugebauer and Foley each added two hits as part of a balanced offensive effort.
Wildcat Tidbits
– With the win, Chico State still leads the all-time series with Stanislaus State 145–74, dating back to their first meeting in 1968.
– Including the non-conference series at Nettleton Stadium back in February, the Wildcats win the season series 4–3.
– Jaden Neugebauer extends his hitting streak to nine games, while Stefan Foley and Michael Baker each push theirs to eight. Over the last nine games, Neugebauer is 13-for-36 (.361) with a double and two RBI.
– Head Coach Dave Taylor improves to 610–361–0 at Chico State and 725–455–1 in 24 seasons as an NCAA head coach.
Up Next
Chico State returns home to Nettleton Stadium for its final home series of the regular season, hosting defending CCAA champion Cal State Monterey Bay for four games. Friday's 6 p.m. opener will also feature the Wildcat FANATics promotion, with AS Dining Services and Farmers' Brewing Company providing fan experiences.
