2002 Baseball archive

2002 Season Archive

Wildcats fall to Columbus State in Championship bout

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (June 2) -- Columbus State won its first national baseball championship with a 5-3 victory over Chico State before 1,653 in the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship at Paterson Field.

The Wildcats entered the championship match-up in great shape, winning their first three games and receiving plenty of time off between contests. The Cougars, on the other hand, had to come back through the loser's bracket to win four straight games after dropping the opener to Central Missouri State, 7-3, and the championship game made it five straight. Three wins were come-from-behind victories, two were walk-off triumphs.

Columbus State (48-15) broke a 1-1 tie in the fifth when Taylor Groce and Jay Bayer hit back-to-back home runs to lead off the inning. Groce also hit a solo home run in the ninth, finishing the game 3-for-4 with two runs and three RBI.

Chico State (55-10) didn't go down without a fight. The 'Cats loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the ninth when Ryan Tash led off the inning being hit by a pitch and Miguel Mendoza and pinch-hitter Rich Janeway each singled through the right side.

Pinch-hitter Jimmy Lintt hit a ball to the warning track in center field which was caught for a sacrifice fly and a fielding error by the third baseman off the bat of Robby Poole allowed Mendoza to score for the second run. But Columbus State starter Jason Burdette (11-2) got the next two batters to fly out, leaving the tying runs on base.

Burdette allowed eight hits, striking out three, to earn his second win of the week. It was his sixth complete game of the season.

Steve Newson, who was named to the All-Tournament Team, had two of Chico State's eight hits. Ryan Tash scored twice. Adam Montarbo (12-3) got the loss, pitching six innings and allowing five hits and four runs.

D-II Championship All-Tournament Team
C: Matt Tupman, UMass Lowell
1B: Michael Regan, UMass Lowell
2B: Josh Maner, Columbus State
3B: Ladd Hammond, Columbus State
SS: Chris Gilstrap, Columbus State
OF: Steve Newson, Chico State
OF: Shawn Sewell, Columbus Stat
OF: Taylor Groce, Columbus State
DH: Jeff Walker, Chico State
P: Brian Baker, Columbus State
P: Jason Burdette, Columbus State
MOP: Brian Baker

Wildcats advance to Championship Game

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (May 31) -- Chico State will play June 2 for its third national title in six years after defeating UMass Lowell, 8-4, before 1,362 at the 2002 NCAA Division II Baseball Championship at Paterson Field.

Chico State (55-9) won the title in 1997 and 1999 and finished third in 1998. This is the Wildcats' first trip back to Montgomery since the 1999 win.

Nic Amanno (4-2) pitched five innings of scoreless two-hit relief after a 28-minute light failure delay to earn the win. Ryan Tash went 4-for-5 with three RBI, including a two-run home run in the third inning which gave Chico State the lead for good.

Steve Newson added a 2-for-5, three-RBI effort, including a two-run single in the fourth. He also had a diving catch on David Williamson's liner to right on the first play after the delay. Lowell had the bases loaded and no outs when many of the lights at the stadium went dark. Newson turned Williamson's ball into a sacrifice fly. Another run scored on a fielder's choice, but that would be the River Hawks' last score.

Jeff Walker and Rusty Kawachi (two runs) added two hits for Chico State, giving the 2-through-5 hitters for the Wildcats a 10-for-18 night with all eight RBIs. Leadoff hitter Robby Poole scored three times.

Adam McCusker had two of UMass Lowell's six hits. Matt Tupman hit a two-run home run in the first which gave Lowell (35-18) a brief 2-1 lead. Starter Brad Laurin (5-2) took the loss.

Wildcats rained out in Bama

The semifinal games in the 2002 NCAA Division II Baseball Championship have been rained out Thursday. Thursday's games will be played Friday.

If the unbeaten teams win Friday, the championship game will be at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. If the if necessary games are necessary, they will be played Saturday with the championship game at 1 p.m. Sunday at Paterson Field.

Wildcats advance to semifinals

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (May 27) -- Brian Thomas limited Kutztown to five hits and Chico State broke open the game with a four-run fourth as the Wildcats advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship with a 6-1 win before 1,707 at Paterson Field

Chico State will play at 4:30 p.m. (PST) on Thursday, May 30.

Thomas (11-1) struck out five, allowing only Dave Devereux's solo home run which tied the game, 1-1, in the fourth. Only two runners reached base after the home run.

Chico State (54-9) answered the home run with the four-run fourth. The Wildcats reached starter Paul Garber (10-3) for three-straight hits to open the fourth, with Johnny Molina's single scoring Rusty Kawachi with the go-ahead run. Another run scored on an infield error, and Steve Newson and John Moylan followed with sacrifice flies to plate the last two runs.

Newson added a solo home run in the sixth. He was 3-for-4 with two RBI on the night. Miguel Mendoza and Molina each added two hits. Leadoff batter Robby Poole scored twice.

Joe Bosack had two of Kutztown's five hits. Kutztown falls to 36-23.

Wildcats win opener at D-II College World Series
Boxscore

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (May 25) -- A short popup and a long line drive made the difference in Chico State's 5-2 win over UMass Lowell at the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship before 1,482 at Paterson Field.

With the win, Chico State faces Kutztown University Monday at 4:30 p.m.

Chico State's Adam Montarbo (12-2) pitched 6 2/3 innings of shutout, four-hit ball before leaving the game as a precaution. Montarbo said he felt a twinge in his right elbow.

We think he's going to be OK, Chico State coach Lindsay Meggs said. At that point of the game we didn't want to risk further injury. We'll know more on Sunday.

The Wildcats (53-9) led 1-0 after five innings. Steve Newson opened the sixth with a single. After an out, Ryan Tash and Miguel Mendoza singled to load the bases. Then Rusty Kawachi sent a foul ball near the back of the first-base dugout. First baseman Mike Regan caught the ball, but no one was covering home plate and Newson tagged up strolled home. Ryan Wulfert followed with a line-drive double down the right-field line to score Tash and Mendoza.

UMass Lowell (33-17) put a dent into Chico State's lead in the eighth, but it wasn't enough. The River Hawks loaded the bases on two walks and a hit batsmen. Scott Lavalley scored on Nate Kiebenow's sacrifice fly. Mike Regan scored on Matt Tupman's double to right-center field. Chico State walked Allen Mottram intentionally, then got out of the inning on a good play by shortstop Johnny Molina on a bouncing ball.

Jeff Walker and Steve Newson each had two hits for Chico State. Tupman had two of Lowell's six hits. Steve Palazzollo (9-3) took the loss.

Montgomery Bound:
Eight Head to Division II Baseball Championships

Eight teams won their regionals to advance to the Division II Baseball Championships at Paterson Field in Montgomery, Ala., on May 25-June 1. The eight teams headed to Montgomery are: Central Missouri, Kutztown, Ashland, UMass Lowell, Florida Southern, Columbus State, Delta State and Chico State.

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schedule and results

Chico State Headed Back To Alabama Thanks to 17-2 Win

CHICO, CA – For the fourth time in six seasons the Chico State baseball team is headed to the Division II College World Series in Montgomery, Ala.

The Wildcats banged out 21 hits and Brian Thomas and Nic Ammano combined on a five-hitter in a 17-2 drubbing of the University of Southern Colorado in the Western Regional championship game Saturday at Nettleton Stadium. The Wildcats, who outscored their opponents 42-6 in three games over the weekend, also tied the school's single-season record with their 52nd win. They are 52-9 overall.

Southern Colorado, ranked No. 17 in the nation entering the weekend, finished the season with a mark of 43-17.

Prior to this weekend the Wildcats had hosted the Western Regional three times, in 1997, 98, and 99. All three times they advanced to the World Series. Saturday, the Wildcats set out quickly to keep that streak alive. Robby Poole, Jeff Walker, and Steve Newson all reached base to start the top of the first, and Ryan Tash's sacrifice fly got the Wildcats on the board for the first of many times. Rusty Kawachi, Brad Walski, and Ryan Wulfert knocked in a run apiece in the inning to make it 4-0. The Wildcats increased the lead to 6-0 on Newson's two-run triple in the second.

Southern Colorado got on the board in the bottom of the second when Bobby Quick doubled and came around to score on Frank Risner's ground ball. The Thunderwolves later cut the lead to 6-2 on Tony Wittmus' run-scoring single. However, that would be as close as Southern Colorado would get.

The Wildcats added three runs in the sixth. Johnny Molina and Steve Newson each banged out RBI singles and Tournament MVP John Moylan walked with the bases loaded to make it 9-2. Chico State added single runs in the seventh and eighth when Jeff Walker and Chris Henry knocked in a run apiece. A six-run ninth capped the scoring.

As the host of four Western Regional tournaments, the Wildcats are now 12-2 with four titles.

Chico State has also had a lot of success in the World Series, winning it all in 1997 and 1999 and finishing 2-2 in 1998. The Wildcats are 10-2 all-time in Alabama.They'll open World Series play Saturday at 11 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. (pst) against a team yet to be determined.

Chico State advances to Championship game

CHICO, CA - Ivan Hernandez and Nic Amanno combined on a five-hit shutout as the Chico State baseball team advanced to Saturday’s championship game of the NCAA Division II Western Regional with a 5-0 victory over Colorado State University. Hernandez (9-2) scattered five hits over six innings for the victory. Ammano relieved in the seventh and allowed only one walk and struck out two in three innings for his first save of the season.

Chico State, ranked No. 3 in the nation, improved to 51-9 with the win. The Wildcats will face Southern Colorado (43-16), a 6-3 winner against Mesa State Friday night, Saturday at noon with the Regional title on the line.

Friday, the Wildcats’ offense gave the pitching staff what would prove to be more than enough support with three runs in the first inning. Southern Colorado starter Mike Deulen (6-5) walked the first two batters he faced, hit the third, and then forced home Robby Poole by walking John Moylan. Ryan Tash then drove home the second run with a sacrifice fly, spelling the end of Deulen’s day. Miguel Mendoza greeted reliever Brad Glassco with a run-scoring single to make it 3-0.

The Wildcats added two more runs with a two-out rally in the fifth. Moylan started it with a single that extended his hitting streak to 14 games. Left fielder Chad Cullimore then dropped Ryan Tash’s fly ball allowing Moylan to score and Tash to advance to second base. Brad Walski followed with a single to plate Tash and make the score 5-0.

Southern Colorado had five hits in the game, including doubles by the West Region Player of the Year, first baseman Sam Christensen and right fielder Ryan Carlton.

Wildcats Hit Five Homers in Regional-Opening Win

CHICO, Calif.--The Chico State baseball team exploded for 20 runs thanks to five homers in a 20-4 victory over Grand Canyon in the opening round of the NCAA Western Regional Baseball Tournament Friday night at Nettleton Stadium. John Moylan went deep twice and Ryan Tash, Miguel Mendoza, and Ryan Wulfert also homered for the Wildcats, who improved to 50-9. Grand Canyon fell to 38-20.

Chico State will take on Southern Colorado, a 12-11 winner against Mesa State in Thursday's first game, Friday at 3 p.m. Grand Canyon will do battle with Mesa State in an elimination game at 11 a.m.

Thursday, Chico Starter Adam Montarbo continued his late-season dominance, allowing four runs, just two of them earned, on seven hits in seven-plus innings to improve to 11-2 on the season. He also struck out a season-high nine batters for the third time in four starts. He's 4-0 in those last four starts. Meanwhile, Grand Canyon's starting pitchers continued to struggle in the postseason. Starter Klent Corley (7-5) surrendered nine runs, eight of them earned, on nine hits in four innings of work . In three postseason starts, the 'Lopes' starters have combined to allow 24 earned runs in nine innings pitched.

Moylan, Tash, and Mendoza, the Wildcats' four, five, and six hitters, were the three biggest offensive heroes for the Wildcats, but they weren't the only ones. Moylan homered twice, knocked in four runs, and scored four more. Tash went 4-for-5 with three RBI and four runs scored. Mendoza also knocked in four runs and scored three times thanks to a 2-for-3 effort. In all, nine different Wildcats combined for 22 hits and the team scored in all but two innings.

Chico State is now just two wins shy of the school record of 52 and four home runs shy of the school record of 66. Also in the game, Robby Poole set the school's single-season record for hit-by-pitches with 23.

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schedule and results

Top-Seeded Baseball Team Eliminated In Thriller

Cal State San Bernardino’s Rich Leon singled through the right side and Keith Haughn slid home just under the tag of Rusty Kawachi for the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth as the Coyotes eliminated top-seeded Chico State from the CCAA Championship Tournament with a 7-6 win.

San Bernardino (32-24) will face UC Davis Saturday at noon and must beat the Aggies twice to claim the tournament championship. Chico State, which fell to 49-9, will now await its fate this Sunday as the four Western Regional contestants are chosen Sunday.

Hector Torres (3-3) picked up the win in relief for the Coyotes, stranding a pair of inherited runners in the top of the ninth. In all, four San Bernardino pitchers surrendered just five hits but walked seven batters and hit five more. However, the Wildcats offense could not take advantage, stranding 11 runners on base. Dale Thayer, now 2-1, was saddled with the loss for Chico.

San Bernardino got to Chico State starter Ivan Hernandez in the fourth and capitalized with a 3-0 lead. Back-to-back singles by Chris McAllen and Haughn set the table for the inning. McAllen would later come around to score on a balk and Haughn scored when Josh Sanchez drew a bases-loaded walk. The third run came on Mark Ayala’s RBI-groundout.

The Wildcats tied the game in the fifth. Johnny Molina plated Richard Janeway for the Wildcats’ first run, Robby Poole’s infield single brought home another run, and John Moylan walked with the bases loaded to make it 3-all.

San Bernardino retook the lead on Matt Swayden’s sacrifice fly that plated Richie Vega in the fifth to make it 4-3, but Chico State tallied a run of its own in the next half inning on Molina’s RBI-single to retie the game.

In the top of the sixth the Wildcats took what proved to be their only lead of the game when Jimmy Lintt’s grounder brought home Moylan. However, the lead was short-lived as the Coyotes scored twice in the bottom-half of the inning to take a 6-5 lead. Oscar Berreras’ two-run, pinch-hit double provided the key ingredient.

Chico State managed to tie the game once more in the eighth when Molina scored on Jeff Walker’s squeeze bunt, but the Wildcats stranded runners on first and third in the ninth before falling in the bottom of the inning

Aggie pitching dominates Wildcats

UC Davis’ Greg Bruso won a pitchers’ duel against Chico State’s Brian Thomas and struck out 10 in the process to lift the Aggies to a 4-1 victory in the winners’ bracket of the California Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Baseball Tournament Friday night.

UC Davis, now 32-24 on the season, had dropped its first four games against Chico State this season. However, the Aggies are hot now, having won 14 of their last 17 games.

UC Davis will face tonight’s Chico State-Cal State San Bernardino winner Saturday at noon. The Aggies, the only unbeaten team in the tournament, must be beaten twice on Saturday to be eliminated.

The Aggies used the long ball in the victory, recording three of their four runs on home runs. Dennis Flippen staked Bruso (10-4) to a one-run lead in the second inning when he sent Thomas’ (9-1) offering over the wall in left-center field.

Chico State’s Steve Newson returned the favor two innings later when he smashed a long line drive over the left-field wall for his 11th round-tripper of the year. That would be the last time Chico State would taste the lead.

Shaun McCullough’s solo homer gave Davis the lead for good in the bottom half of the fifth. Ryan Coultas tacked on Davis’ third solo home run to lead off the eighth inning.

Chico State, which had won nine straight before Friday, fell to 49-8 with the loss.

Montarbo's Complete-Game Shutout Gives Wildcats Win

CHICO, Calif. — Adam Montarbo was the only starting pitcher on the opening day of the CCAA Championship Tournament who hadn’t earned First or Second-Team All-Conference honors to. He was named Honorable Mention. Thursday, Montarbo bettered them all, firing a complete-game shutout and striking out nine as the Wildcats beat Cal State San Bernardino 3-0.

Montarbo (10-2) scattered just seven singles and walked two to lift Chico State to its ninth straight win. The Wildcats, who will face rival UC Davis Friday at 3 p.m. are now 49-7 on the season. They’re now just three runs shy of the school record of 52 wins in a season. San Bernardino dipped to 30-23 overall and will take on Grand Canyon at 11 a.m. in an elimination game. The winner of that game will advance to face the loser of the Davis-Chico State game at 7 p.m. Friday in another elimination game. UC Davis defeated Grand Canyon 8-5 in Thursday’s opener.

The Wildcats got on the board in the opening frame when Robby Poole singled, moved to second on Jeff Walker’s sacrifice bunt, and eventually scored on John Moylan’s double. Chico State added another run in the frame when Moylan came home on Ryan Tash’s base hit up the middle.

Chico State added an insurance run in the eighth when Steve Newson led off the inning with a single, moved to second on Tash’s base hit, advanced to third when Ryan Wulfert was hit by a pitch, and scored on a balk by reliever Steven Fitch.

San Bernardino starter Tony Evans (5-2) took the loss for just the second time this season. He allowed two runs on six hits in five innings before leaving the game with an arm injury.

Tash and Moylan each extended their hitting streaks to 10 games and Poole extended his to nine. Jeff Walker has an eight-game streak and Wulfert has hit safely in six straight games.

Wildcats Sweep CSLA in Final CCAA-Tournament Warmup

Ryan Wulfert and Steve Newson launched three home runs apiece and the Chico State baseball team outscored Cal State LA 59-18 in a four-game sweep over the weekend. The Wildcats, who had already clinched the top seed in this weekend's CCAA Championship Tournament, finished up the regular season 48-7 and broke the school's previous regular-season wins record of 45 set in 1997.

Grand Canyon, which had also earned a CCAA-Tournament berth prior to the weekend, secured the No. 2 seed by taking three of four games against Sonoma State. No. 3 seed UC Davis split for games with UC San Diego to earn a spot in the postseason and CSU San Bernardino grabbed the No. 4 seed with a four-game sweep of San Francisco State.

The Wildcats, ranked No. 2 in NCAA Division II, will host the event for the fourth consecutive year. Chico (48-7 overall) won its third regular-season CCAA title in four years with a 33-7 conference mark. Grand Canyon (38-17, 27-12 CCAA) finished second, UC Davis (31-24, 25-15 CCAA) third, and San Bernardino (30-22, 24-15 CCAA) fourth.

In its last pre-CCAA Tournament series, Chico State won the first game 16-3 as Newson went yard twice and Wulfert added a pinch-hit grand slam. John Moylan went 4-for-6 with two runs and two RBI. Adam Montarbo collected the win, pitching seven strong innings to improve to improve to 9-2.

In Saturday's doubleheader, Ryan Tash anchored the offense with a combined six runs and five RBI. David Goni collected the win in the opener to improve to 5-0, while Brian Thomas surrendered just two runs in six innings in the nightcap to earn the victory and improve to 9-0. Chico State won 15-7 and 20-2.

Sunday's game proved to be the only tight affair of the weekend as Wulfert's solo home run in the fifth snapped a 3-3 tie and Scott Honsowetz allowed just one unearned run in four innings of relief to notch his second win of the year.

Wildcats Clinch Regular-Season Title

The Chico State baseball team wrapped up its third CCAA regular-season title since joining the conference four seasons ago with an 8-1 victory over visiting Cal State Dominguez Hills Sunday afternoon at Nettleton Stadium.

Robby Poole led off the bottom of the first with a home run and John Moylan drove in two runs on two hits to lead the Wildcats to victory, their fourth in four games against Dominguez Hills this weekend. Ivan Hernandez (8-2) allowed one run over six innings to collect the win and Clark Johnson surrendered just one hit over the last three innings to pick up his second save of the year.

Chico State (44-7, 29-7 CCAA) entered the weekend 2.5 games ahead of idle Grand Canyon this weekend. With the series sweep, the Wildcats increased their lead to 4.5 games with just four to play. Chico State wraps up the regular season next weekend with four games at Cal State L.A. Dominguez Hills fell to 30-28-1 overall and 17-23 in the CCAA.

After Poole's homer gave Chico State the early advantage, Dominguez Hills' Damien Lopez smashed his own solo homer over the wall in right-center field, knotting the score 1-1. However, Chico State retook the lead in the third when Jeff Walker reached on a fielder's choice, stole second base, and came around to score on Moylan's base hit.
The Wildcats then took control with three more runs in the sixth. Jimmy Lintt and Rich Janeway singled to open the inning and Chris Henry, running for Lintt, and Janeway moved up on Miguel Mendoza's sacrifice bunt. Henry scored on Kurt Probasco's single and Janeway crossed the plate on Johnny Molina's bunt. Walker drove in the final run of the inning, giving the Wildcats a commanding 5-1 lead. Chico State tacked on a run in the seventh on Ryan Wulfert's RBI single and two more in the eighth on Moylan's RBI-double and Henry's RBI-single.

It was announced earlier in the weekend that Chico State will host the CCAA Championship Tournament May 9-11.

Wildcats Clinch Regular-Season Title

It was announced earlier in the weekend that Chico State will host the CCAA Championship Tournament May 9-11.

Pitching Keys Chico State Sweep

By MICHAEL LOWMAN-Sports Writer, Chico Enterprise-Record

When you've received pitching like the Chico State baseball team has the past two days, who needs all these runs.

For the second consecutive day, the Wildcats had a complete-game performance from one of their starters. Brian Thomas threw all seven innings and gave up seven hits as Chico State completed a doubleheader sweep over Dominguez Hills 14-1 Saturday. Chico State took the opener 5-4. Adam Montarbo threw all nine innings in Friday's 7-1 victory.

Our pitching's been very consistent, Chico State coach Lindsay Meggs said. It'd be great if they could stay hot. If we're going to win big games, we're going to have to pitch well.

The Wildcats (43-7, 28-7 California Collegiate Athletic Association) didn't lack any offense either. Chico State scored five runs in the first, seven more in the fifth and finished with 16 hits. Robby Poole's bases loaded triple in the fifth not only made the score 12-1, it put the Wildcats leadoff hitter in the record books. Poole's seventh triple of the season ties Thom Eccleston for the most in Chico State history. Eccleston hit an equal amount in the 1985 season.

I'm glad it's over with, Poole said. It's been in the back of my mind.

Poole went 2-4 and scored two runs. Johnny Molina was 2-for-2 with three RBIs and Rich Janeway went 3-for-3 with a run-scoring single.

Montarbo pitches complete game victory

The Chico State baseball team, currently ranked No. 4 in the country, opened a four-game series with Cal State Dominguez Hills with a 7-1 victory in front of the largest crowd at Nettleton Stadium this season.

A crowd of 1,483 saw Adam Montarbo (W 8-2) throw his second complete game of the year, striking out a season-high 10 batters, and giving up six hits. Montarbo retired the Toros in order four times, striking out the side in the sixth.

Chico State (41-7, 16-7 CCAA) started the scoring early with a two-out rally in the first inning. John Moylan and Ryan Tash singled, and Brad Walski drove in Moylan with a RBI single to run his hitting streak to five games. Steve Newsom walked to load the bases and a wild pitch brought home another run for the 'Cats. Ryan Wulfert walked to again load the bases and that was it for starter Chris Ingstad (L 7-5), who left the game with a sore hand after deflecting an earlier hit.

Rick Moore came on in relief and gave up a two-run hit to Kurt Probasco for a 4-0 Wildcat lead after one inning. Moore completed the game, giving up three runs on 11 hits and striking out three.

The 'Cats scored an unearned run in the fifth, as the leadoff batter Jeff Walker reached base on an error by the pitcher and came around to score on a RBI-single off the bat of Newsom.

Dominguez Hills' (30-25-1, 17-20 CCAA) only run came on a homer by Damien Lopez, his eighth of the season, to lead off the seventh inning.

In the bottom of the seventh, Newsom drove in pinch runner Chris Henry with his eighth double of the year and his second RBI of the night. He later came around to score his second run of the night on a wild pitch.

These same two teams meet for a doubleheader tomorrow, beginning at 1:00.

Chico State to host 2002 CCAA Tournament

Chico State has been selected to host the 2002 California Collegiate Athletic Association Baseball Championship Tournament at Nettleton Stadium May 9-11.

The Wildcats, ranked No. 4 in NCAA Division II, will host the event for the fourth consecutive year after qualifying with a four-game split with No. 14 Grand Canyon last weekend. Chico (40-7 overall) is currently the CCAA leader with a 25-7 record (.781) and is the first team to clinch a berth in the tournament. The top four teams in the CCAA standings, based on winning percentage, qualify for the event.

Single day tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for college students with valid I.D., and $2 for high school students and under.

Six other teams are still mathematically alive for the three remaining tournament berths with two weeks left in the regular season: Grand Canyon, UC Davis, UC San Diego, Cal State San Bernardino, Sonoma State, and Cal Poly Pomona.

2002 CCAA Baseball Championship Tournament Schedule
Thursday, May 9
Game 1 - Teams to be determined, 3 p.m.
Game 2 - Team to be determined vs. Chico Sate, 7 p.m.

Friday, May 10
Game 3 - Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 11 a.m.
Game 4 - Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 3 p.m.
Game 5 - Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 loser, 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 11
Game 6 - Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 12 p.m.
Game 7 (if necessary) - Game 6 participants, 45 minutes after Game 6

Wildcats Finish Weekend the Way They Started It

Devin Perrin pitched eight nearly flawless innings and Adam Blong homered and knocked in four runs as Grand Canyon salvaged a series split with an 8-5 win at Chico State Sunday afternoon and got back to within two-and-a-half games of the Wildcats for the CCAA regular season title.

Chico State (40-7, 25-7 CCAA) was in danger of being shut out for the first time in 60 games before rallying for five runs in the ninth off Perrin and reliever Ben Mitchell. However, after giving up a three-run homer to Ryan Tash, Mitchell struck out Jimmy Lintt and Kurt Probasco to end the game.

Grand Canyon improved to 35-16 overall and 24-11 in the CCAA. The Wildcats entered the weekend ranked No. 1 in the nation, while Grand Canyon entered ranked No. 25.

The game was a pitchers’ duel early on with Perrin and Chico State starter Ivan Hernandez (7-2) keeping the game scoreless through five innings. In fact, Perrin (7-3) didn’t allow a hit until Lintt’s fifth-inning single.

Grand Canyon got on the board in the sixth when Trent Otis led off with a single and came around to score on Greg Serrano’s double. Then, in the eighth, Grand Canyon broke the game wide open. After walking two of the inning’s first three batters, Hernandez was pulled for Dale Thayer. The ‘Lopes greeted Thayer by banging out five hits over the next six batters and scored five runs in the inning to make it 6-0.

Grand Canyon made it 8-0 with two more runs in the top of the ninth on Blong’s two-run homer before the Wildcats finally rallied.

Chico State wraps up its regular season home schedule next weekend when it hosts Cal State Dominguez Hills for four games.

Wildcats Turn Frowns Upside Down

Facing their second straight loss to a hard-charging Grand Canyon team just one-and-a-half games behind them in the race for the CCAA title, the Chico State baseball team turned things around fast in the opening game of Saturday's doubleheader. The Wildcats trailed Grand Canyon and their ace, David Brockman, 6-2 after three innings before exploding for three or more runs in four of the last six innings for a 19-7 victory.

The Wildcats completed the doubleheader sweep with a 2-1 victory behind the pitching of Brian Thomas (7-0) and Dale Thayer (14th save). Chico State is now three-and-a-half games ahead of the 'Lopes in the race for the CCAA crown with one game between the teams remaining Sunday at noon.

In the opener, Steve Newson bashed a pair of three-run homers to left-center field and Ryan Tash belted a two-run shot to help lead Chico State's offensive charge. Meanwhile, Johnny Molina never threatened to leave the yard, but the No. 9 hitter did put together four hits and knock in four runs.

Early on in the game, things were not looking good for Chico State, however. The 'Lopes touched Chico State starter David Goni for six runs in the first three innings to jump out to a 6-2 advantage. After Friday night's 10-6 drubbing of Chico by Grand Canyon, it looked like Saturday's opener might be a repeat. But a four-run fourth inning provided all the spark Chico State would need. Molina opened the scoring with a two-run double and Robby Poole added a two-run double later in the inning to knot the score 6-6.

Grand Canyon retook the lead in the next inning on Andy Lane's double, but Chico State reliever Clark Johnson made sure that would be the last time the 'Lopes crossed the plate. Johnson surrendered just one hit and struck out six in four innings of work to collect the win and improve to 5-0. Meanwhile, the Wildcats offense was securing that victory.

After Poole was hit by a pitch and Miguel Mendoza walked, Newson crushed a three-run homer to give the Wildcats their first lead, 9-7. Two batters later, Tash went deep for the first time since March 9 to plate John Moylan and make it 11-7.

The Wildcats added three more runs in the seventh and Newson's three-run bomb in the eighth keyed a five-run rally.

The pitchers ruled game two. In fact, Grand Canyon starter allowed just one hit in six innings of work, but three errors cost the 'Lopes dearly. Thomas, on the other hand, scattered five hits over five-plus innings and allowed just one earned run. That run scored on Thayer's wild pitch, but the closer got out of a jam and held Grand Canyon scoreless in the seventh for the win.

Newson was the offensive hero in game two, registering Chico State's lone hit, a double to lead off the fourth. He moved to third on Moylan's ground ball and scored when Tash converted on the suicide squeeze on a pitch that was very high and tight. That proved to be the winning run. The Wildcats only other run came in the second inning when Moylan reached out an error, moved to second on a wild pitch, advanced to third on Tash's grounder to the right side, and scored on Jimmy Lintt's grounder.

Grand Canyon Makes Statement in Series Opener

Entering the game just 6-6 on the road and facing the No. 1 team in the nation, Grand Canyon University made a huge statement with a 10-6 victory against Chico State to move to within just one-and-a-half games of the first-place Wildcats Friday night.

Justin Dehmer smacked two home runs and Josh Blocher tossed eight strong innings to lead Grand Canyon to its ninth consecutive conference victory and hand Chico State a rare home loss. Grand Canyon improved to 34-14 overall and 23-9 ion the CCAA. Chico State, which is now 17-3 at home, fell to 38-6 overall and 23-6 in the CCAA.

Grand Canyon took an early lead on Dehmer's two-run homer to left field and actually led 4-0 before the Wildcats got on the board. In the bottom of the fourth, Chico State cut the lead in half when John Moylan came around to score on Dehmer's error left fielder after Brad Walski's base hit and Ryan Tash scored on Kurt Probasco's base hit.

However, the 'Lopes put the game away with a six-run sixth inning. Dehmer led off the inning with long home run to straightaway center field, spelling the end of Chico State starter Adam Montarbo's outing. Nic Ammano came on in relief, but he couldn't slow Grand Canyon's attack. Four of the next five hitters banged out hits, and by the end of the inning, it was 10-2. Trent Otis laced a two-run double, Joey Reiman had a two-run single, and Dehmer hooked a two-run double down the left-field line for his fourth and fifth RBIs of the night.

Robby Poole, Miguel Mendoza, and Johnny Molina provided the only Chico State highlights. Poole hit safely in his 11th straight game, Mendoza banged out a pair of hits, including a double, and Molina went 2-for-4.

The same two teams will meet Saturday in a doubleheader set to begin a 1 p.m. The series is scheduled to wrap up with a single game Sunday at noon.

Wildcats sweep UC San Diego, regain No. 1 ranking

And then there were two.

The Chico State baseball team made sure that the race for the CCAA baseball title would be left up to just two teams with a four-game series sweep at UC San Diego this weekend. That virtually assures that the winner of the CCAA regular-season title will be either Grand Canyon or Chico State. Those two teams meet this weekend in a four-game series in Chico. Grand Canyon is currently two and-a-half games behind the Wildcats.

UC San Diego, which entered the weekend a half-game behind Grand Canyon in third place in the CCAA, remained in third place but fell to seven games behind Chico State. With the victories, Chico State moved back into the top spot in the Collegiate Baseball Division II rankings.

Friday, Chico State won 5-3 as Robby Poole was hit by pitches three times, scored two runs, and knocked in another run. Adam Montarbo picked up win and Clark Johnson recorded his first save of the season.

Saturday, Steve Newson broke out of a terrible slump with three hits, including a home run, and five RBI to lift Chico State to an 8-3 victory in game one of the doubleheader. David Goni picked up the win by tossing eight innings of seven-hit ball. In the second game of the double-dip, Poole collected three hits and knocked in three runs and Brian Thomas tossed a complete-game six-hitter to key a 7-0 win.

Sunday the Wildcats brought out the brooms and John Moylan Kurt Probasco provided the sticks. Moylan homered twice and drove in three runs, while Probasco bashed a three-run homer en route to a 7-1 victory. Ivan Hernandez surrendered just three hits and a run in seven innings to get the win

Wildcats Stay Perfect Against Non-Conference Opponents

Freshman Jeff Walker reached base in all five of his plate appearances, scored three runs, knocked in a pair, and swiped three bases to lead the Chico State baseball team to a 7-3 victory over Bethany College and keep the Wildcats unbeaten against non-conference opponents this season. The Wildcats, ranked No. 2 in the latest Collegiate Baseball rankings, are 15-0 against non-CCAA teams and also improved to 7-0 in night games.

Bethany's baseball team, in just its second season in existence, put up a tough fight against the Wildcats, who are now 34-5 overall. The Bruins (8-11-1) will join the NAIA next season. Patrick Choate picked up the victory for the Wildcats to improve to 2-0 on the season. In four innings of work he surrendered just one run on two hits.

Chris Henry and Walker, the first two batters to come to the plate for the Wildcats, gave Chico State the lead for good in the bottom of the first. Henry led off with a single and Walker tripled down the right field line to drive him in. Walker came around to score on John Moylan's first of two RBI groundouts.

Walker, who had reached on an error, scored again on a Moylan ground ball to make it 3-0 after three frames. But Chico State starter Mike Zinninger got into some trouble in the fourth, giving up run-scoring hits to Dan Munoz and Collin Giddings.

Chico State added insurance runs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth to put the game away. In the sixth, Colin Nakano drove home Andrew Rodriguez with a base hit. In the seventh, Walker reached on an error and later came around to score on a wild pitch. Finally, after Bethany tacked on a single run in the top of the eighth, Walker drove home Nakano with a single and Chris Henry came around to score on a throwing error by center fielder Ian Jefferson to finish the scoring.

Chico State will be back in action this weekend when the Wildcats travel south for a four-game series with UC San Diego. Chico State will be back home next Tuesday night for another date with Bethany before hosting Grand Canyon in a four-game series that weekend.

Fans can catch all four of those games on 1290 AM KPAY or on the internet at csuchico.edu/athletics.

'Cats finish Pomona series with win

The Chico State baseball team took a 4-0 lead into the sixth inning, and settleted on 5-1 victory over visiting Cal Poly Pomona in the final game of a four-game series Sunday afternoon at Nettleton Stadium.

Ivan Hernandez tossed seven dominant innings and Brad Walski and Jimmy Lintt each homered for the Wildcats, who improved to 33-5 overall and 19-4 in the CCAA. Pomona dipped to 20-17-1 overall and 13-15 in the CCAA. Hernandez, 6-1, surrendered just three hits and one earned run while striking out seven. Dale Thayer pitched the final two frames to collect his CCAA-leading 13th save.

The Wildcats took a 1-0 lead when freshman Jeff Walker reached on a bunt single, moved to third on a failed pickoff attempt, and scored on Rusty Kawachi’s single. Chico State built on its lead in the third. Shortstop Johnny Molina singled to spark the rally and moved to third on Robby Poole’s double. Walker’s ground ball scored Molina to make it 2-0. The Wildcats tacked on two more runs in the sixth when Brad Walski hit a two-run homer to straightaway center field. It was his third round-tripper of the season.

Pomona finally got to Hernandez in the eighth. After he walked two batters, Anthony Gonzales singled to left field to drive in the Broncos’ lone run of the day. The Wildcats answered in the bottom-half of the inning on Lintt’s solo home run. It was his fourth homer of the season.

Chico State is back in action Tuesday night in a non-conference affair against Bethany College. First pitch at Nettleton Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Wildcats will then take to the road for four crucial games against UC San Diego, which entered the weekend two games behind the CCAA-leading Wildcats.

Chico splits doubleheader with Cal Poly Pomona

Wildcat starter David Goni's best performance of the season lifted the Chico State baseball team to a 5-1 victory in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday against visiting Cal Poly Pomona. In the second game, Pomona exacted some revenge with an 8-6 win.

Goni, a lefty making just his third start of the season, surrendered just one run on four hits in seven innings of work to improve to 3-0 on the season. Ryan Tash knocked in three runs and John Moylan banged out three hits to pace the Chico State offense.
In the second game, three Chico State errors proved costly as the Broncos broke a 6-all tie with two runs in the sixth.

Five of Pomona's nine runs were unearned, including the last two. Kevin Waldinger tossed the last five innings and picked up the victory, improving to 5-2. Jason Marcus led Pomona's offensive charge with a two-run homer and Tim Thurman also drove in a pair of runs.

The same two teams will face off Sunday at noon in the final game of a four-game series.

Kawachi's blast lifts Chico State to victory

Rusty Kawachi blasted a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift the Chico State baseball team to a thrilling 11-9 victory over visiting Cal Poly Pomona in front of a season-high 1,223 fans. The homer was Kawachi's second of the night and the Wildcats' catcher finished with five RBI.

Chico State, 31-4 overall and 17-4 in the CCAA, held off a determined Pomona squad, which dipped to 19-15-1 overall and 12-13 in the CCAA. The Broncos had leads of 3-0 and 6-5 and 9-8 but the Wildcats, ranked No. 3 in the nation, fought back every time. Chico State finally closed it out in the ninth when Dale Thayer came on to collect his conference-best 12th save.

The same two teams will meet in a doubleheader Saturday at 1 p.m. and the series wraps up with a single game Sunday at noon.

Wildcats split with San Bernardino

For the first time this season the Wildcats lost two games to the same team. CSU San Bernardino handed Chico, ranked No. 1 in the nation coming in, two losses in the opening doubleheader at Arrowhead Credit Union Park, 3-2 and 5-2. The Wildcats (30-4, 16-4 CCAA) came to back to sweep the second doubleheader, 7-6 and 7-3.

In the opening game, the Coyotes were down 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth when left fielder Chris McAllen blasted a solo home run over the left field wall off closing ace Dale Thayer, who entered the game with a CCAA-high ten saves. McCallen scored the winning run in the 11th when he led off the inning with a double and came around to score when Scott Honsowetz's pitch got away from catcher Kurt Probasco.

In the second game of the double-dip, the Wildcats took a 1-0 lead on Rusty Kawachi's fourth home run in the opening frame. San Bernardino starter Matt Rohr pitched masterfully the rest of the way, however, scattering six hits in seven innings of work. Brad Walski provided a bright spot for the Wildcats, banging out a pair of hits, including a double, in his first game back since pulling a hamstring early in the season

Saturday, the Wildcats got their revenge. Trailing 6-5 entering the ninth and in danger of dropping their fourth straight game after a 28-1 start, Rusty Kawachi saved the day. With two out and two strikes on him, Kawachi lined a triple to right-center field to plate Richard Janeway and knot the score 6-6. Chris Henry then knocked in what proved to be the game-winning run for the Wildcats with a base hit that scored Kawachi. Thayer worked his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth to collect his 11th save.

Chico State took game two as Nic Amanno and Clark Johnson combined on a five-hitter. The game was tied 3-3 entering the seventh, but Johnny Molina led off the inning with his third base hit of the game and opened the floodgates for a four-run inning. After Molina's hit, Robby Poole walked and both runners advanced on a wild pitch. After Janeway was intentionally walked, Molina scored on another wild pitch. John Moylan followed an intentional walk to Kawachi with a two-run single and Ryan Tash hit in to a double play to plate the inning's final run.

The Wildcats, who dipped to No. 3 in the nation in the latest poll, face Cal Poly Pomona in a four-game series at Nettleton Stadium this weekend. Friday's game is at 7 p.m., followed by a 1:00 doubleheader on Saturday, and a single game Sunday at noon.

Wildcats lose first game at home

Cal State Stanislaus snapped four impressive streaks in a 5-3 victory in the second game of a doubleheader against Chico State at Nettleton Stadium Monday afternoon. Entering the game, the Wildcats were a perfect 13-0 at home this season, had beaten Stanislaus 16 straight times at home dating back to 1996, had beaten the Warriors nine straight times overall, and had won eight straight overall.

Chico State won the first game 4-1 on the strength of starter Brian Thomas’ pitching. Thomas, Scott Honsowetz, and Dale Thayer combined to allow just one run on five hits and three walks. Thayer collected his 10th save of the season.

However, in the second game, the Wildcats absorbed their second loss of the season to fall to 28-2 overall and 14-2 in the CCAA. The Wildcats entered the day ranked No. 1 in the nation. Stanislaus starter Justin Schwitters went the distance, scattering eight hits to key the Warriors’ victory. Hector Alaniz notched three hits and Ian Corso knocked in a pair of runs to spark Stanislaus’ offense.

Stanislaus improved to 10-19 overall and 3-13 in the CCAA.

Chico State will travel to face Cal State San Bernardino this weekend before returning home for a four-game set with Cal Poly Pomona April 5-7.

Chico State bats come out with the sun

Shortstop and No. 9 hitter Johnny Molina went 8-for-9 with five runs and four RBI to help spark Chico State’s offense in a 9-4, 19-3 doubleheader sweep of visiting Cal State Stanislaus Sunday at Nettleton Stadium.

The games were the first two of a four-game series that was originally scheduled to wrap up Sunday before rain washed out the first three games.

Thirteen different Wildcats banged out hits, including Robby Poole who scored twice in game one and knocked in two runs in game two, and Steve Newson, who extended his hitting streak to 12 games.

Chico State, a winner in its last seven games and ranked No. 1 in the nation, improved to 27-1 overall and 13-1 in the CCAA. Stanislaus fell to 9-18 overall and 2-12 in the CCAA.

Poole and Kurt Probasco joined Molina in leading the offense in the opener. While Molina had three hits, Poole and Probasco notched two apiece. Rusty Kawachi chipped in three RBI. Adam Montarbo (6-1) pitched seven-plus innings for the win and closer Dale Thayer collected his 10th save of the season

In the nightcap, Molina went 5-for-5 with four runs and three RBI to lead the charge for starter Ivan Hernandez. Hernandez (5-0), surrendered two runs in four innings. Johnnie Martinez pitched the final three frames for his second save.

The same two teams will face off Monday in a doubleheader set for noon.

Wildcats Keep On Rolling

After an eight-day layoff without a game, the Chico State baseball team didn’t miss a beat, sweeping visiting Willamette in a two-game series 11-3 and 10-3 Tuesday and Wednesday to improve to 25-1.

The Wildcats, ranked No. 1 in the nation, got solid pitching efforts from the usual suspects and Patrick Choate, making just his second appearance of the season, to key the victories. Adam Montarbo, Ivan Hernandez, Brian Thomas, and Johnnie Martinez combined on a complete-game five-hitter Tuesday. Montarbo, now 5-1, got the win, surrendering just one hit in two innings. Wednesday, Choate got his first start of the season and took advantage, scattering three hits in four scoreless innings

Steve Newson, John Moyland, and Jimmy Lintt all homered Tuesday to key the offense. Wednesday, Robby Poole knocked in four runs and Richard Janeway hit a solo home run to spark the offense

The Wildcats are home this weekend to host a four-game series against Cal State Stanislaus.

Streak snapped...New one begins

All good things must eventually come to an end. And so goes the 20-game winning streak the Wildcats were riding since the first day of the season. The Wildcats lost the first game of a four game series at San Francisco State, 3-1, but went on to win the next three, 5-2, 10-2, 6-2. And so the streak begins again...

In the opener, the Wildcats gave up three runs on four hits in the bottom of the second and although Chico outhit San Francisco 9-5, they could only manage one run in the top of the fifth. Steve Newsom drove in Johnny Molina with a double to left center field. The 'Cats came into the series averaging over nine runs per game.

Adam Montarbo (4-1) picked up the tough-luck loss, pitching the complete game.

In game two, Chico scored early, putting up two runs in the second thanks to a two-out, two-run single by Molina. The 'Cats never trailed, although the Gators kept it close, tailing by just one run after four innings. In the fifth, Chico added two insurance runs on Rusty Kawachi's third homer of the season, a two-run shot to left field.

It was a quartet of pitchers for the 'Cats that combined for the win. Scott Honosowetz (1-0) picked up the win with his 2.1 innings of work. Dale Thayer came on to pitch the final inning and earn his team-high eighth save of the season.

In the first game on Saturday it was back to business as usual. The 'Cats pounded out 10 runs on 11 hits, including three homers, which accounted for seven of the ten runs. Ryan Tash hit a three-run dinger in the first, Jimmy Lintt smashed a two-run shot in the fifth, and Rich Janeway launched his third hit of the game over the fence in right center for two more runs.

Ivan Hernandez (4-0) recorded the win, giving up two runs on five hits, striking out four, and walking six in his six inning of work. Johnnie Martinez picked up his first save of the season, giving up no hits in the final three innings.

Chico started the fourth game by putting three runs up on the board in the top of the first. Newsom, Lintt, and Kawachi each picked up a RBI in the frame.

San Francisco cut the Wildcats lead to 3-2 going into the sixth, but Cbico answered back with a run in the inning and two more in the seventh for the 6-2 victory. James McCabe, who came into pinch run and then catch in the sixth, drove in both runs in the seventh with his first hit of the year.

Brian Thomas picked up his fourth win of the season, giving up two runs on five hits and striking out two in 4.1 innings of work. David Goni and Scott Honoswetz combined to shut down the Gators the final 2.2 innings.

Robby Poole named CCAA Player of the Week

Chico State second basemann Robby Roole has been named the Rawlings CCAA Baseball Player of the Week for the week of Feb. 25-Mar. 3.

Poole, a 5-10 senior from Sunnyvale, led the Wildcats to a four-game sweep of CCAA rival Sonoma State, hitting .500 (9-for-18) with six runs scored, a double, 2 triples, a home run, and 12 RBI with no strikeouts.

He hit for the cycle (single, double, triple, home run) with 5 runs and 6 RBI in an 18-11 win over Sonoma to open the series. Poole hit a 3-run triple to give the Wildcats the lead in the first inning of game two and finsihed 3-for-5 with 4 RBI in a 13-7 win. He had a single, scored a run, and a RBI in a 4-1 win in the third game, then tallied another single with a RBI and scored the go-ahead run in the top of the fifth of a 5-3 win in the series finale.

Wildcats sweep four games from Cossacks-
Improve to 20-0

The wins just keep on coming. The Wildcats completed the four-game sweep against Sonoma State with two victories on Sunday in Rohnert Park, 4-1 and 5-3.

The Wildcats, No. 4 in the latest Division II poll, keep the season perfect with a 20-0 record, 8-0 in CCAA play. Meanwhile, the Cossacks, who had won 20 of their first 24 games this year, have dropped five of their last six and find themselves five games out of first place in the CCAA race.

The Wildcats received a strong pitching performance from Ivan Hernandez who picked up the 4-1 win in the first game of the doubleheader on Sunday. He threw six innings, giving up one run on five hits, walking four and striking out one. He retired the first seven he faced before giving up the run in the bottom of the third. Hernandez is now 3-0 this season with a 1.73 ERA.

With two outs and the score tied 1-1 in the top of the sixth, the Wildcats strung together three hits, including a RBI-double by Ryan Wulfert for the go-ahead run. The 'Cats tacked on insurance runs in the eighth and ninth innings. Designatted hitter John Moylan drove in the run in the eighth with a two-out single and Robby Poole collected the RBI in the ninth.

In the nightcap, the Cossacks led 3-1 after three innings, but Chico rallied for a pair of runs in the fourth then took the lead for good on a Steve Newson single up the middle in the fifth to drive in Poole with the go-ahead run. In the sixth, Chico took advantage of a throwing error on the stolen base by Chris Henry to set up a sacrifice fly by Rich Janeway for the final run of the game. The Wildcats held on to defeat Sonoma State 5-3 and complete the sweep of the crucial four-game series.

Starter Brian Thomas (3-0) picked up the win, giving up three runs on six hits and striking out three. Dale Thayer came on in the final inning to record his team-high seventh save by retiring the Cossacks in order.

In the four games, Chico outscored Sonoma 40-22 and outhit the Cossacks 51-38. The 'Cats had six homers in the series and the 'Cossacks recorded four dingers. As a team, Chico hit .370 to Sonoma's .279.

Wildcats make it 18 straight

Chico State kept its record perfect, belting out 15 hits, including three homers, in a 13-7 win over Sonoma State in the second game of the four-game series. The teams complete the series tomorrow with a doubleheader in Rohnert Park, beginning at noon.

With the win, Chico State remains perfect on the year at 18-0, 6-0 in CCAA play. Sonoma State drops to 20-6, 3-3 in the CCAA.

Robby Poole remains the hot bat for the 'Cats, going 3-for-5 with four RBI today and bringing his two-game totals against the Cossacks to seven hits, four for extra bases, and 10 RBI.

Sonoma State wasted no time trying to avenge yesterday's 18-11 loss, putting five runs on the board in the top of the first inning before most of the Wildcat fans had settled into their seats. Gil Barry lead off the game with a single and Ryan Souza blasted a double to left center for the game's first run. Catcher Brad Shannon capped off the inning with a two-out, three-run homer to left.

The Wildcats would not be down for long. Chico sent 11 batters to the plate and took advantage of a Cossack error to score seven runs, five unearned, in the bottom of the first. Left fielder Steve Newsom hit his third home run of the year, a two run shot to left center, and leadoff batter Poole hit a three-run triple his second time at the plate in the inning.

Chico relief pitcher Nic Ammano (2-0), who came on in the top of the second, cooled off the Cossacks, giving up two runs on five hits in his seven inning of work. Ammano retired the Cossacks in order in the sixth through eighth innings. Closer Dale Thayer came on for an inning of work in the ninth. Sonoma starter Tim Worthington (5-1) picks up his first loss of the season, surrendering nine runs, four earned, on 10 hits. Josh Bell worked the final 3.1 innings for the Cossacks, allowing four runs on five hits.

Sonoma tied the game in the top of the fifth, but that too would be short-lived. Chico answered back with two runs in the bottom of the frame, compliments of a leadoff homer by Ryan Tash, his team-high eighth of the year, and an RBI single by Poole. The Wildcats put the insurance runs on the board in the bottom of the eighth when with the bases loaded and two out, catcher Rusty Kawachi smacked a line drive over the left field fence for a grand slam.

Wildcats hammer Sonoma State in first of four key games

Robby Poole hit for the cycle, knocked in six runs, and scored four more to spark the Chico State baseball team to an 18-11 win over Sonoma State Friday afternoon at Nettleton Stadium.

The Wildcats, ranked No. 7 in the nation, improved to 17-0 and 5-0 in the CCAA, while Sonoma State, ranked No. 17 in the nation, fell to 20-5 overall and 3-2 in the CCAA.

Every Wildcat in the starting lineup notched at least one hit and Rusty Kawachi joined Poole with six RBI. Kawachi, John Moylan, and Johnny Molina banged out three hits apiece as the Wildcats scored more runs in a single game then they did in five games against the Cossacks last season. In those five games, four of which Sonoma State won, the Cossacks outscored Chico State 30-10.

Chico State’s 18 runs were more then they’ve scored since May 18, 2000 in a 20-12 victory over Texas Wesleyan in the Western Regionals.

Poole, Ryan Tash, and Kawachi all homered for the Wildcats, while Gil Barry, Rob Garibaldi, and Mike Richardson went deep for the Cossacks. Barry and Brad Shannon knocked in three runs apiece for Sonoma State.

Adam Montarbo improved to 4-0 with the win for the Wildcats, while Mark Schaukowitch fell to 3-1.

Chico completes sweep of UC Davis
Meggs sets record

DAVIS, Calif. -- Ryan Tash and Jeff Walker each hit two-run home runs and Wildcat Head Coach Lindsay Meggs became the all-time winningest baseball coach at Chico State as the Wildcats completed a four-game sweep of UC Davis with a 9-4, victory over the Aggies in a California Collegiate Athletic Association baseball game Sunday afternoon at Community Stadium.

With the win, Chico State remains perfect at 16-0 overall, 4-0 in conference play and Meggs earned his 333rd career victory at Chico State, moving him into the top spot in just eight-plus seasons at the school.

UC Davis falls to 3-10 on the season, 2-6 in CCAA.

Chico State got on the board first in its half of the third as Tash drilled a 2-2 pitch with two outs over the left field fence, scoring Miguel Mendoza for the early 2-0 lead.

UC Davis would answer in the bottom of the inning as they scored three runs to take the lead.

The lead would be short lived as Chico put up three runs of its own in the top of the fourth, the big blast coming off the bat of Jeff Walker, who connected for a one out, two-run home run down the left field line, scoring Jimmy Lintt.

The Wildcats broke the game open in the fifth with three more runs as John Moylan’s RBI single and two wild pitches from Aggie reliever Michael Schofield resulted in two more Chico State runs.

Clark Johnson and Dale Thayer combined to relieve starter Ivan Hernandez with four innings of no-hit relief.

On the day the Aggies managed just four hits of the Chico pitching staff, one each by Tulk, Snyder, McCullough and Kamigawachi. Andrew Kloos started for UC Davis and went four-plus inning.

The Wildcats pounded out 11 hits on the afternoon, two each by Tash, Ryan Wulfert and Brad Walski. Hernandez went five innings, allowing four runs on four hits and striking out three as he improved his record to 2-0 this year.

Wildcats improve to 15-0 against rival Aggies;
Meggs ties record.

CHICO - Chico State did it with big bats in the first game and strong pitching in the second, as they picked up two wins in Saturday's doubleheader against UC Davis, 14-9 and 5-3, at Nettleton Stadium.

The wins keep Chico perfect on the season with a 15-0 record overall and 3-0 in CCAA play. Davis drops to 2-8, 1-5 in conference.

The two wins moves Coach Lindsay Meggs into a tie with Don Miller for the most all-time wins at Chico State. Meggs, in his ninth season with the Wildcats, has 332 wins.

The Wildcats lit up the Aggies in the first game with 14 runs on 16 hits. Chico centerfielder Rich Janeway lead the team going 4-for-4 with a solo homerun, and Miguel Mendoza helped the team by reaching base five times with two hits, two walks, and one hit by pitch.

UC Davis was up 9-8 when Chico put six runs on the board in the eighth inning, highlighted by a leadoff homer by Janeway, a two-run double by Mendoza, and a RBI-single by Janeway.

The Wildcats used five pitchers in the game, but it was Clark Johnson (3-0) who came in and shut down the Aggies in the final inning and a third to pick up the win.

Aggies right fielder Steve Tulk led Davis with three hits in four at-bats, including a leadoff homer to start the game. Steve Snyder hit a three run homer in the fourth to give the Aggies a 6-5 lead and designated hitter Brett Sommer chipped in with a two-run shot in the sixth.

In the second game the Wildcats turned to lefthanded pitcher Dave Goni who went six and one third innings, giving up one earned run and only one walk to improve his record to 2-0 on the season. Dale Thayer came on in the final inning with two runners on and two runs already in to record the final two outs and pick up his sixth save on the year.

Chico State had a big third inning scoring five times. Shortstop Johnny Molina reached on a walk and scored on a fielders choice off the bat of Brad Walski. Ryan Tash then doubled, scoring John Moylan, who reached on an error, and Walski. Janeway doubled to drive in Tash and later scored himself on a passed ball.

Chico completes the four-game series at UC Davis on Sunday at 12:00. The 'Cats are at home next Friday and Saturday against Sonoma State.

Wildcats take first game from Aggies

DAVIS, Calif. --Miguel Mendoza's two-run single gave the Wildcats a lead they wouldn't surrender as Chico State defeated UC Davis, 5-2, in a CCAA baseball game Friday afternoon at Community Stadium.

Chico State improves to 13-0 overall, 1-0 in conference play. UC Davis falls to 3-7 on the season, 2-3 in CCAA play.

UC Davis started ace Luke Steidlmayer, last year's CCAA Pitcher of the Year, looked good early, but Chico struck in the the third as Richard Janeway reached on an error to lead off frame. Two outs later with runners on second and third, Mendoza fouled off three pitches before lining a two-run single that eluded a diving Michael Newmann in center field.

The Wildcats would add two more runs in the fourth as with two outs and a runner on first, the Wildcats manufactured two runs thanks to RBI singles from Ryan Tash and Janeway and three stolen bases.

That would be all UC Davis could muster against the Chico pitchers. After Montarbo, Scott Honsowetz gave up one hit in his one inning of work before Dale Thayer recorded his fifth save of the season with a perfect ninth inning.

For the Wildcats, Montarbo improved his record to 3-0 on the young season as he struck out seven and walked just one on the day. Mendoza and Janeway each pounded out two hits for the Wildcats, while Tash, Robby Poole and John Moylan proved Chico with its other three hits.

Wildcats complete four-game sweep of Western Oregon

The Chico State men's baseball team completed a four-game sweep of Western Oregon by winning the first game of a doubleheader 10-7 and the second game 8-1 Saturday afternoon at Nettleton Stadium. The Wildcats are now 12-0 on the season and off to their best start under ninth-year head coach Lindsay Meggs.

Meggs now has 329 career wins at Chico State and would become the winningest coach in Chico State history with four more victories.

The Wildcats, ranked No. 16 in the nation entering the weekend, had too much offense for the visiting Wolves, who surrendered 44 runs on the weekend. Western Oregon (0-4) is playing its first year of NCAA Division II baseball this season.

In Saturday's opener, Western Oregon let its best chance to steal a game slip through its hands. Chico State catcher Rusty Kawachi capped a four-run sixth inning with a two-run double to give the Wildcats an 8-7 lead and the Wildcats capped on two more runs en route to victory. Brad Walski led Chico State with four RBI and Ryan Tash, Jeff Walker, and Kawachi knocked in two apiece.

David Goni (1-0) picked up the win in relief for the Wildcats, allowing one run on three hits in two innings. Wildcats closer Dale Thayer loaded the bases in the ninth but got out of the jam with no harm done to collect his fourth save of the season.

In the nightcap, Chico State starter Ivan Hernandez shut down the Wolves, scattering four hits in six scoreless innings. The junior struck out five and walked just one to collect his first win of the season. The Wildcats were led offensively by Kurt Probasco, Robby Poole, and Walker, who knocked in two runs apiece.

Chico State will open California Collegiate Athletic Association action Friday when they travel to take on rival UC Davis for a single game at 2:30. The teams will meet again Saturday in Chico in a doubleheader scheduled to start at noon. And they'll cap the weekend series with a single game at noon in Davis on Sunday.

Baseball rolls to 10-0 start

Wildcats sweep Western Oregon in home-opening twinbill

Thirty hits and 25 runs in a doubleheader gave Chico State fans plenty to cheer about as the Chico State baseball team played at home for the first time this season Friday. Chico State beat Western Oregon 9-7 in the first game and 16-4 in the nightcap to improve to 10-0 on the season. The Wildcats, who have beaten Western Oregon eight straight times dating back to 1999, entered the weekend ranked No. 16 in the nation.

Miguel Mendoza was the day's big star for the Wildcats. He finished the doubleheader with seven hits in eight at-bats, four RBI and four runs scored. In the opener, the center fielder went 5-for-5 and scored three times. Steve Newson, Brad Walski, and John Moylan added two RBI apiece. Newson's RBI came on a momentous two-run homer in the fifth inning to give the Wildcats an 8-4 lead.

Wildcats starter Adam Montarbo picked up the victory, tossing five innings and allowing three earned runs. Dale Thayer closed the game for his third save.

In the nightcap, Mendoza smashed a two-run homer to open the floodgates in the first and collected an RBI-single in the third. He also walked between those two at-bats, meaning he reached base in eight straight appearances. Freshman Jeff Walker added a two-run single and Moylan, Walski, and Ryan Tash banged out two hits apiece.

Converted closer Brian Thomas improved to 2-0 in his second start of the season. He scattered seven hits in six innings and allowed one earned run.

Western Oregon (0-2) was seeing its first action of the year. Bryce Gardinier almost single-handidly kept the Wolves in the opening game, knocking in four runs on four hits. Travis Chetock notched three hits and scored four runs. In game two, Chris Ridenour and Travis Anderson had two hits apiece.

The same two teams will tangle in another doubleheader Saturday at noon.

Baseball rolls to 7-0 start

LA Mirada - The Wildcats scored in six of the seven innings in game two as they swept a doubleheader at Biola University. Chico won 7-1 and 13-1.

Three Wildcats hit home runs in the second game. Ryan Tash hit his round trippers in the second and seventh inning and John Moylan and Jimmy Lintt collected solo shots in the second and fourth innings, respectively.

Wildcat starter Nic Ammano (1-0) pitched six scoreless innings, giving up three hits and and striking out two.

In the early game Chico rallied for six runs in the eighth, capped off by a back-to-back homers, a grand slam by left fielder Steve Newson and a solo shot by Brad Walski.

The Wildcats will complete their swing through Southern California Sunday with a single game at Concordia. Their first home date is set for Friday at 3 p.m. when Western Oregon comes to town to start a four-game set.

Baseball team improves to 5-0

AZUSA – Catcher Rusty Kawachi knocked in three runs and Brian Thomas allowed just one run in five innings as the Chico State baseball team beat host Azusa Pacific 5-2 Friday night. The Wildcats improved to 5-0 with the win and are scheduled to face Biola University in a doubleheader Saturday at 11 a.m.

Thomas, who recorded 15 saves as the team’s closer last season, got his first start as a Wildcat and took advantage, scattering three hits in five innings. Scott Honsowetz came on to pitch three effective innings in relief and Johnnie Martinez pitched the final inning.

The Wildcats took the lead in the first when Richard Janeway walked, Steve Nelson singled, and they both came around to score on an error. They added another run in the third when Janeway singled and later came around to score on Kawachi’s sacrifice fly.

Leading 3-1 entering the seventh, the Wildcats put the game away with a three-run seventh. Robby Poole led off the inning with a homer and Kawachi doubled home two runs.

Wildcats open season with doubleheader sweep

After traveling all the way to Hawaii only to have their first game of the season rained out, the Wildcats scratched out two late-inning victories to open the season 2-0 on Wednesday, Jan. 30.

In the first game against Hawaii Pacific University (3-7), Chico State manufactured a run in the top of the sixth inning to break a 3-3 tie and hang on for the 4-3 victory. The Wildcats picked up 12 hits in the seven-inning game, including a two-run homer by first baseman Brad Walski.

Steve Newson (lf), John Moylan (dh), Rusty Kawachi (c), and Robby Poole (2b) each had two hits for the 'Cats.

Righthander Nic Amanno got the opening day assignment for Chico State, throwing 4.1 innings and giving up three runs on four hits. Nathan Smith picked up the win in relief, retiring the only two batters he faced. Dale Thayer came on in the seventh to pick up the save.

In the nightcap, it was classic Chico State baseball, as the Wildcats rallied for 10 runs in the top of the eighth inning to take a 13-11 lead and eventual 16-11 win.

The 'Cats banged out 21 hits in the game, including a 4-for-5 performance by Adam Montarbo (dh) and a 4-for-6 outing by Poole. Newson picked up three hits in the game.

Johnnie Martinez threw the final two innings for the win, as the Wildcats used four pitchers in the game.

After another day of rainouts the 'Cats finished up the trip with two victories on Feb. 1. In the early game, Chico put three runs on the board in the top of the first and never gave up the lead, winning 6-3.

Brad Walski (1b) went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored and Ryan Tash (3b) connected on 2-of-3, including his first homer of the year.

Clark Johnson picked up the win, giving up three runs on five hits in his four innings of work. Thayer picked up his second save of the series, striking out two of the four batters he faced in the final inning.

In the final game, Chico gave itself a big sendoff, scoring four runs in the first and two more in each of the next three innings en route to a 13-5 victory.

Shortstop Jeff Walder came up big with four hits, two RBI, and two runs scored. Wulfert went 3-for-5 with two RBI and crossed the plate three times.

Adam Montarbo, who recorded the win, gave up four runs on seven hits in five innings.

In the four games the Wildcats hit at a .389 clip, scored 39 runs on 58 hits, 10 for extra bases, and recorded 32 RBI.