Chico State Remains Undefeated-Advances to Final Round

Chico, Calif.--The No. 3 seed Chico State Wildcats scored in each of the first five innings to defeat No. 1 Mesa State today 11-4 and advance to the final round of the NCAA Division II West Regional.

Chico (45-17) will play Saturday at 1 p.m. in the championship game against the winner of the Mesa/Sonoma game, which takes place tonight.

The Wildcats wasted no time in the game, jumping out to a 6-0 lead after three innings. Their first run came without the benefit of a hit, as a hit batter, walk and stolen base led to Luis Sanchez's RBI on a fielder's choice. Shanin Veronie drove in Sanchez with a single to right center for a quick 2-0 lead.

In the second the 'Cats rallied for four hits and three runs in the inning, highlighted by Steve Guerrero's two-run double. Guerrero, in just his 12th start of the year went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a homer and three RBIs. He also walked twice and scored four runs.

Mesa, who came into the game averaging 9.0 runs scored per game, tallied its first run of the game came in the top of the fourth on back-to-back doubles by Jake Huff and Ronie Branin

Chico continued its scoring assault in the bottom of the fourth as four Wildcat hits led to three runs, including Guerrero's home run.

The Mavericks added two more runs in the eighth on a homer by Cameron Kesler and a run-scoring single off the bat of Huff. In the ninth, pinch hitter Brandon Berkley homered for Mesa's final run of the game.

Chico starter Jason Cly (10-4) pitched his fourth complete game of the season, scattering eight hits, four of which came in the final two innings. Cly struck out four and walked one.

Daryl Schafer (4-1) suffered his first loss of the season, giving up nine runs on 11 hits in his 3.2 innings of work.

Winner - Cly (10-4). Loser - Schafer (4-1). Save - None.

LOB - Chico (11), Mesa (4). DP Chico (1), Mesa (1).

2B - Duvall, Mesa; Huff, Mesa; Branin, Mesa; Guerrero (2), Chico, Sanchez, Chico; Veronie, Chico.

HR - Berkley, Mesa; Kesler, Mesa; Guerrero, Chico.

Time - 2:30. Attendance - 706.