CHICO, Calif. — Cal State San Bernardino used a two-run home run in the seventh to take its first lead of the night, but Chico State answered in the bottom half and surged ahead in the eighth behind a clutch two-run double from Stefan Foley to claim a 3–2 victory in the opener of a four-game CCAA series Thursday night at Nettleton Stadium.

With the win, Chico State improves to 17–18 overall and 6–11 in the CCAA, while Cal State San Bernardino falls to 16–15 overall and 7–6 in conference play.

On a windy, chilly evening with 14 mph gusts blowing toward left center, the conditions played a noticeable role throughout the game. Cal State San Bernardino entered the night ranked fourth in NCAA Division II with 61 home runs, but the Coyotes were largely kept in the yard and into the air, finishing with 14 flyouts.

Chico State starter Jack Tews was sharp through six scoreless innings before running into trouble in the seventh. After a leadoff single, Garret Barto connected for a two-run home run to give the Coyotes a 2–0 lead.

The Wildcats responded quickly. In the bottom half of the inning, Jesse Gadd struck out before Cole Nachreiner drew a walk and later came around to score on Michael Baker's RBI double to right center, cutting the deficit to 2–1.

Chico State completed the comeback in the eighth. Brady Wright, running for Kobe Rolling, moved into scoring position before Keoni Coloma delivered a single to put runners on the corners. After a groundout advanced both runners, Foley came through with the biggest swing of the night—lining a two-run double down the right field line to give the Wildcats a 3–2 lead.

Bruno Condit (1–0) earned the win in relief, tossing two scoreless innings and working around traffic in the eighth. Aaron McCurley closed the door in the ninth, retiring the side in order with a strikeout to earn the save.

Chico State managed just four hits but made them count, with Foley and Baker each delivering RBI doubles and the Wildcats drawing five walks to create opportunities.

Wildcat Tidbits
– With the win, Chico State still leads the all-time series with Cal State San Bernardino, 71–35, dating back to their first meeting in 1990.
– Dave Taylor, in his 20th season, is 606–358–0 as the head coach at Chico State. Taylor is also 721–452–1 in 24 years as an NCAA head coach.

Up Next
Chico State and Cal State San Bernardino will meet Friday for a 9/7-inning doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.