HAYWARD, Calif. - Chico State closed out the 2026 regular season on a high note Saturday, defeating Cal State East Bay 7–3 at Pioneer Field to secure a road series win.
With the victory, the Wildcats finish the year 26-24 overall and 15-17 in the CCAA, placing sixth in the conference standings and missing the CCAA Tournament by a half-game. Cal State East Bay ends its season 21-24 overall and 13-19 in conference play. The Pioneers entered the series tied with Chico State for sixth and finish in a tie for eighth with Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Chico State broke the game open with a pair of multi-run innings early, plating three runs in both the third and fourth to build a 6–0 cushion. Roman Roberts delivered a two-run single in the third, while Cole Nachreiner added an RBI on a fielder's choice later in the frame. In the fourth, Brady Ranallo drove in a run with an RBI single before Michael Baker capped the rally with a two-run double down the left field line.
Ranallo led the offensive effort with a 3-for-4 day, scoring twice and driving in two runs, while Baker and Roberts each added two RBIs. Nachreiner also finished with two hits and an RBI as part of Chico State's 13-hit performance.
On the mound, freshman Jakob Poole was sharp in his final start of the season, striking out six over five innings while allowing just one unearned run to earn his sixth win of the year. The bullpen combined to limit the damage late, with Manny Lopez closing the door in the ninth to secure the save.
Cal State East Bay pushed across three runs in the middle innings but was unable to overcome Chico State's early surge, leaving nine runners on base.
Wildcat Tidbits
– Chico State picked up its first road series win of the season, going 1-2-1 in road series.
– Jakob Poole will finish his freshman campaign with six wins, tying him for ninth in the CCAA.
– Chico State will close out the regular season with a 4.41 ERA, ranking the best in the CCAA. The Wildcats also lead the conference with the fewest earned runs allowed (210) and the lowest opponent batting average (4.41). Chico State placed third in both strikeouts (281) and fewest walks allowed (163).
– With the win, Chico State improves to 116-77-1 all-time against Cal State East Bay, dating back to their first meeting in 1967.
– Dave Taylor closes his 20th season with a 615-365 record as head coach at Chico State and is now 730-459-1 in 24 years as an NCAA head coach.
