TURLOCK, Calif. —Kian Sanchez went a perfect 4-for-4 with three RBIs and a stolen base, while Korey Likens finished 3-for-4 with three runs scored and a triple as Stan State closed out a perfect weekend with a 9–0 shutout of Central Washington on Sunday afternoon at Warrior Field. The Warriors (3–0) used a 15-hit attack and dominant pitching to complete the three-game sweep of the Wildcats (0–3), never allowing a run in the series finale in front of 115 fans as overcast skies turned sunny.
Series Finale
Stan State jumped on the Wildcats early, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looking back in the series finale.
After Zach Lewis flied out to open the frame, Korey Likens singled through the left side and advanced to third on a single by Sanchez. Mason Kelley followed with a two-run double down the left-field line to plate both runners before AJ Carter added an RBI single to make it 3–0.
The Warriors continued to apply pressure in the third inning as Likens singled and later scored on an RBI single by Carter. Sanchez crossed the plate later in the inning following a double play, extending the lead to 5–0.
Stan State added two more runs in the fourth inning after Jacob Reyes reached on an error and Lewis singled. Sanchez doubled to right field to drive in both runs, pushing the advantage to 7–0. The Warriors tacked on single runs in the fifth and sixth innings, with Tyler Crudo driving in a run in the fifth and Sanchez delivering an RBI single in the sixth after Likens tripled to right field.
On the mound, Rocco Gurrola set the tone with four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out four. Eli Blurton earned the win in relief, tossing two shutout innings with three strikeouts. AJ Victoravich and Herman Luna closed out the shutout, combining for three scoreless frames as the Wildcats were held to four hits.
Warrior Notables
- Kian Sanchez finished a perfect 4-for-4 with three RBIs, a double, and a stolen base.
- Korey Likens went 3-for-4 with three runs scored, a triple, and a stolen base.
- Four Stan State pitchers combined for the shutout, striking out 11 and allowing just four hits.
- Mason Kelley drove in two runs with a first-inning double.
- AJ Carter added two RBIs as part of the Warriors' 15-hit offensive effort.
- Stan State scored in six of the first seven innings and did not allow a run in the series finale.
Up Next
Stan State will travel to Costa Mesa, Calif., for a three-game non-conference series at Vanguard University on Feb. 6–7. The Warriors will then return home Feb. 13–15 for a four-game series with Simpson (Calif.), beginning with a 6 p.m. series opener on Friday, Feb. 13, at Warrior Field.
