CHICO, Calif. — Stan State (8-7) totaled 17 hits, including three apiece from Kian Sanchez, Mason Kelley and Tyler Crudo, but a six-run third inning by Chico State (10-6) proved too much to overcome in a 10-8 loss Friday at Nettleton Stadium.
Stan State jumped in front in the first inning. Zach Lewis was hit by a pitch and later scored on Kelley's RBI double to left. Sanchez then came home on Austin Sargent's groundout, giving the Warriors a 2-0 lead after one.
Chico State answered with a run in the second before erupting in the third. The Wildcats loaded the bases with a walk and two hit batters, and Jesse Gadd delivered a two-run single to put Chico State in front. Ryan Melton followed with a two-run single, and Brady Ranallo capped the inning with a two-run double as the Wildcats built a 7-2 advantage.
The Warriors cut into the deficit in the fourth. Crudo and Jacob Reyes opened the inning with singles, and Sanchez drove a double into left center to score both runners and trim the margin to 7-4.
Chico State responded in the bottom half. Gadd lined an RBI double down the left-field line before Jackson Snitko and Melton added run-scoring hits to extend the lead to 10-4.
Stan State continued to battle. In the seventh, Kelley doubled to lead off the inning and later scored on Chase Wilson's RBI single. Cameron Taylor added a run-scoring groundout, and Reyes singled to right to plate another run as the Warriors closed within 10-7.
The Warriors threatened again in the ninth. Crudo doubled down the right-field line and Reyes followed with a single. Chris Ortiz delivered a pinch-hit single to load the bases, and a double play off the bat of Korey Likens brought home a run to make it 10-8. However, Chico State recorded the final out to secure the victory.
Austin Balentine (4-1) took the loss for Stan State, allowing seven runs in 2.1 innings. Pierce Sailer surrendered three runs in relief, while AJ Victoravich tossed 2.2 scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Jared Sawyer added 1.1 shutout innings with two strikeouts to close the game.
Up Next
Stan State and Chico State will wrap up the three-game non-conference series with a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 12 p.m. at Nettleton Stadium.
The Warriors then open CCAA play at home against Cal State East Bay, March 6–8, at Warrior Baseball Field. The series begins Friday, March 6 at 6 p.m., followed by a Saturday doubleheader on March 7 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and concludes Sunday, March 8 at noon.
Stan State will next travel to Los Angeles for a four-game CCAA series at Cal State Los Angeles, March 13–15, beginning Friday at 6 p.m. The series continues with a Saturday doubleheader at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and concludes Sunday at noon at Reeder Field.
The Warriors will host Chico State later this season in a four-game CCAA series at Warrior Baseball Field, April 17–19. The series opens Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m., continues with a Saturday doubleheader on April 18 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and concludes Sunday, April 19 at noon.
