HAYWARD, Calif. — Chico State opened the final series of the regular season with authority Thursday afternoon, erupting for 20 hits in a 17–8 victory over Cal State East Bay at Pioneer Field. The win keeps the Wildcats firmly in the hunt for the CCAA Tournament, aided by movement elsewhere in the conference standings.
With the victory, Chico State improves to 24-23 overall and 13-16 in CCAA play. Cal State East Bay, which entered the week tied with the Wildcats in the conference standings, falls to 21-26 overall and 12-16 in league action.
With help from Cal State Dominguez Hills beating Cal State San Bernardino in Carson, the Wildcats are now 1.5 games behind the Coyotes for the fifth and final spot to the CCAA Tournament with three games to play. Friday will feature the 9/7-inning doubleheader, with both games at Pioneer Field and Toro Field starting at noon.
Chico State wasted no time taking control, breaking the game open with a seven-run third inning and never looking back. The Wildcats added four more in the fifth and five in the eighth, showcasing one of their most complete offensive performances of the season. Eight different Wildcats recorded a hit, led by Michael Baker's 4-for-5 effort with two RBIs and Myles Walton's three-hit, three-run day at the top of the lineup. Cole Nachreiner delivered a game-high five RBIs, including a bases-clearing double in the eighth inning that put the game out of reach. Jaylen Hodges added three hits and two RBIs, while Stefan Foley drove in two runs with a pair of doubles.
On the mound, Rocco Borrelli gave Chico State a steady start, tossing six innings to earn the win and limit East Bay to three runs. The Pioneer offense made a late push with five runs in the ninth, but the Wildcats' early offensive surge proved more than enough to secure the opener.
Wildcat Tidbits
– The last 20-hit game Chico State recorded was on March 9, 2024, when they defeated Stanislaus State 11-2 in Turlock.
– It is the second time this season Chico State has scored 17 runs in a game, last doing so against Cal State Dominguez Hills on March 6.
– With the win, Chico State improves to 114-76-1 all-time against Cal State East Bay.
– Head Coach Dave Taylor is now 613-364-0 at Chico State and 728-458-1 in his 24-year NCAA head coaching career.
