CHICO, Calif. – Chico State's offense broke through in game one, but Cal State San Bernardino answered in game two of the doubleheader, as the Wildcats split Friday's twin bill at Nettleton Stadium, winning 10–4 before falling 12–0 in the nightcap.
With the split, Chico State moves to 18-19 overall and 7-12 in the CCAA, while Cal State San Bernardino improves to 17-16 overall and 8-7 in conference play.
Game 1 – Chico State 10, CSUSB 4
Chico State responded to an early deficit with a steady offensive attack, scoring in five different innings to pull away for a 10–4 victory in the opener.
After trailing 3–0 in the third, the Wildcats answered with two runs in the second and took control in the fourth. An error helped spark the inning before a pair of sacrifice flies and timely situational hitting pushed Chico State in front for good.
The Wildcats continued to apply pressure throughout the game. Myles Walton led the way with a 3-for-4 performance, including two doubles and two RBIs, while Stefan Foley scored three times atop the order. Jaden Neugebauer added an RBI double, and Kobe Rolling drove in a run as Chico State consistently capitalized on opportunities.
Chico State added insurance late with single runs in the sixth and seventh before breaking it open with three runs in the eighth. Walton delivered a two-run double in the inning, and Keoni Coloma followed with an RBI single to extend the lead.
On the mound, Rocco Borrelli battled through traffic early before settling in, and the bullpen combination of Tyler Eastham and Dane Padrnos closed the door. Padrnos earned the save with three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three.
Game 2 – CSUSB 12, Chico State 0
Cal State San Bernardino flipped the script in the nightcap, using a five-run second inning to seize control before pulling away for a 12–0 victory in the seven-inning contest.
The Coyotes capitalized on early walks and defensive miscues, stringing together four hits in the second to build a 5–0 lead. They added another run in the fifth before erupting for six runs in the sixth to put the game out of reach.
San Bernardino finished with 17 hits in the game, with Greg Luna going 3-for-3 with three runs scored and an RBI. Garret Barto added three hits and an RBI, while Jeremy Giesegh drove in two runs. Derek Hurtado delivered a key two-run triple in the sixth inning as part of the decisive rally.
On the mound, Kailer Saunders was dominant, tossing a complete-game shutout. He allowed six hits, did not issue a walk, and struck out five in the efficient outing.
Chico State managed six hits in the loss, with Myles Walton collecting two, but the Wildcats were unable to generate sustained offense and left six runners on base.
Wildcat Tidbits
– With the split, Chico State still leads the all-time series with Cal State San Bernardino, 72-36, dating back to their first meeting in 1990.
– Dave Taylor, in his 20th season, is 607-359-0 as the head coach at Chico State. Taylor is also 722-453-1 in 24 years as an NCAA head coach.
Up Next
Chico State and Cal State San Bernardino close out the four-game CCAA series Saturday at 11 a.m.
