CHICO -- One big inning made the difference for the Chico State Wildcats as the host team defeated Cal State Stanislaus, 6-4, to open a pivotal series for both teams.

Chico State scored four runs in the third inning for a 5-1 lead and held on to win to improve to 30-19 overall and 15-14 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The Warriors dropped to 29-16 and 14-14 in the CCAA.

The Warriors are now in sixth place in the CCAA with the Wildcats, winners of six straight, moving a 1/2 game ahead of Cal State Stanislaus with seven games remaining.

Stanislaus is just 2 1/2 games out of fourth place with the top four teams advancing to the CCAA Championships. Cal State Dominguez Hills, Stanislaus' upcoming opponent next weekend in Turlock, is currently in fourth.

Friday night, three straight singles after one out and a bases loaded walk started the Chico rally in the third off Stanisalus pitcher Dakota Watts. A squeeze play scored another and with two outs, Bret Ringer singled through the right side to make it 5-1.

The Warriors did get two runs back in the fourth with three straight singles of their own. Zach Cadet singled in a run and Ryan Silver's grounder to short also scored another to cut the Chico lead to 5-3.

Chico starter Pete Mickartz would eventually out-duel Watts for the win. Mickartz gave up 13 hits in 8 2/3 innings but struck out eight without a walk to improve to 7-3.

Watts, now 8-3, went the distance and allowed six runs on nine hits. He struck out five and walked three.

Cadet finish with three hits, Leandro Dottovio went 3-for-4 and Kyle Loretelli had two doubles to lead Stanislaus. Silver was 2-for-5.

The series continues on Saturday with a pair starting at Noon.

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