TURLOCK, Calif. — Stan State opened its weekend series with a dominant 13–0 victory over Western Oregon on Friday afternoon at Warrior Baseball Field. Behind a 10-hit offensive effort led by Mason Kelley, Tyler Crudo and Kian Sanchez — and a complete-game shutout from Austin Balentine — the Warriors improved to 8–3 overall, while the Wolves fell to 3–6.
The Warriors set the tone early and never looked back.
Stan State struck first in the opening inning when Zach Lewis doubled down the left-field line and later scored on a sacrifice bunt and RBI groundout from Sanchez to make it 1–0.
The offense broke through again in the third. After Jacob Haros was hit by a pitch, Sanchez launched a three-run home run down the left-field line to extend the lead. Later in the inning, Crudo ripped a two-run double to left-center to give the Warriors a 5–0 cushion.
Stan State put the game out of reach in the fifth, sending 13 batters to the plate and scoring eight runs. AJ Carter tripled home two runs, Crudo added an RBI single, and Haros and Lewis each drew bases-loaded walks. Korey Likens delivered a two-run double, and a wild pitch capped the scoring as the Warriors stretched the lead to 13–0.
The Warriors totaled 10 hits in the contest. Kelley went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and two doubles, while Crudo finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs, a run scored and a double. Sanchez highlighted the day with a three-run home run as Stan State recorded four doubles, one triple and one homer in the win.
Balentine was outstanding on the mound, tossing a seven-inning complete-game shutout to move to 4–0 on the season. He allowed just five hits, walked none, and struck out two on 77 pitches. The win was the 19th of his career, moving him into a tie for seventh place in program history with Tyler Murphy and Gene Oliver on Stan State's all-time wins list. He also now ranks 10th in program history with 148 career strikeouts. The Warriors turned two double plays behind him in the victory.
Western Oregon was limited to five hits and did not advance a runner past second base until the seventh inning.
Up Next
Stan State continues its four-game series with Western Oregon this weekend at Warrior Baseball Field with a Saturday doubleheader and Sunday finale. The Warriors and Wolves will play a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 21, with first pitch set for 1:00 p.m., followed by game two at 4:00 p.m. The series concludes on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 12:00 p.m.
The Warriors then hit the road for a three-game non-conference series at Chico State beginning Friday, Feb. 27, at 2:00 p.m. at Nettleton Stadium. The Wildcats and Warriors will play a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 28 (1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.).
The Warriors open CCAA play at home against Cal State East Bay on Friday, March 6, at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader (1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.) and a Sunday finale at 12:00 p.m. at Warrior Baseball Field.
