TURLOCK, Calif. — Stan State put the tying and winning runs in scoring position in the ninth inning, but Chico State shortstop Michael Baker made a diving catch on a line drive off the bat of Chris Ortiz to end the threat as the Warriors fell 8-7 in the series finale on Sunday afternoon at Warrior Baseball Field. The result secured a 2-2 weekend split between the two CCAA foes.

The split marks the third series split between Stan State and Chico State over the last four seasons.

Chico State (21-21, 10-14 CCAA) struck early, scoring single runs in the first and second innings before breaking the game open with a four-run third inning, highlighted by a grand slam from Myles Walton to take a 6-3 lead.

Stan State (18-22, 9-14 CCAA) answered early as well, with Zach Lewis hitting a solo home run in the first and Mason Kelley launching a two-run homer in the second to give the Warriors a 3-2 advantage before Chico State's big third inning.

The Wildcats added single runs in the sixth and eighth innings to extend their lead to 8-5, but the Warriors continued to fight back late.

Stan State rallied in the seventh, as Chase Wilson delivered an RBI triple and Kelley followed with an RBI single to cut the deficit to 7-5. In the eighth, Eric Perez brought home a run with a sacrifice fly to make it 8-6.

Eli Hancock led off the ninth inning with a solo home run to pull the Warriors within one at 8-7. Kelley then drew a walk and moved into scoring position, and after an intentional walk loaded the bases, Lewis singled to keep the rally alive and bring the tying and winning runs into scoring position. However, Baker's diving play at shortstop ended the game and preserved the Chico State victory.

Kelley led the Warriors offensively, going 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs, while Lewis went 3-for-5 with a home run and an RBI. Hancock added a home run and two runs scored.

On the mound, Dane Padrnos (1-0) earned the win in relief for Chico State, while Nathan Hikes picked up his first save. Eli Blurton (2-3) took the loss for the Warriors.

Payton Hawkinson kept the Warriors within striking distance out of the bullpen, allowing just one run over 2.2 innings while striking out three. Pierce Sailer followed with a scoreless ninth inning to give Stan State a chance in the final frame.

Warrior Notables

• Stan State had the tying and winning runs on second and third in the ninth inning.
• Eli Hancock homered in the ninth to cut the deficit to one.
• Mason Kelley recorded a home run and three RBIs.
• Zach Lewis went 3-for-5 with a home run.
• Payton Hawkinson struck out three over 2.2 innings in relief to keep the game within reach.
• Pierce Sailer tossed a scoreless ninth inning.
• The series marked the third split between Stan State and Chico State in the last four seasons.

CCAA Standings
Cal State Monterey Bay leads the conference at 17-7, followed by Cal Poly Pomona at 17-11. Cal State San Marcos (13-11) and Cal State LA (15-13) remain in the top four, with Cal State San Bernardino (11-12) and Cal State East Bay (11-13) just behind.

Chico State sits at 10-14 after the weekend, while Stan State is 9-14 in CCAA play. Cal State Dominguez Hills rounds out the standings at 8-16.

The top five teams will advance to the CCAA Baseball Championship Tournament, scheduled for May 6-9 at Fiscalini Field in San Bernardino.

Around the CCAA
Sunday's results saw Cal State East Bay defeat Cal State San Marcos 5-3, while Cal State Monterey Bay held off Cal State San Bernardino 13-11. Cal State LA topped Cal Poly Pomona 7-4, and Chico State edged Stan State 8-7 in Turlock.

Up Next
Stan State remains at home to host Cal State Dominguez Hills for a four-game CCAA series beginning Friday, April 24 at 6 p.m. at Warrior Baseball Field. The series continues with a Saturday doubleheader (1 p.m. and 4 p.m.) and concludes Sunday at 12 p.m.

Sunday's finale will serve as Senior Day, with a pregame ceremony scheduled for 11:30 a.m. honoring Shane Callison, Jacob Reyes, Cameron Rosen, Tyler Crudo, Korey Likens, AJ Carter, Rocco Gurrola, Austin Balentine, Eric Perez, Bradley Morris, Herman Luna, Zach Geiss, Arthur Navarette Jr., Evan Fanconi, Jared Sawyer, Adam Davies, Chase Wilson, Chris Ortiz, Austin Sargent and Cole Pacheco. The series will also mark Stan State's final home games of the 2026 season.

The Warriors then hit the road for a key CCAA series at No. 11 Cal State Monterey Bay beginning Thursday, April 30 at 3 p.m. in Seaside. The series continues with a Friday doubleheader (12 p.m. and 3 p.m.) and concludes Saturday at 12 p.m., wrapping up the regular season.

All CCAA games will be available on FloCollege with live stats provided, while home games will also be broadcast on Blue Chip Broadcasting.