Chico State won their home opener in walk-off fashion beating rivals Sonoma State, wing a final score of 3-2.

The first half of the game was a pitchers duel between Chico State graduate student Luke Barker and Sonoma State senior Bobby Raymos.

Sonoma State opened up the scoring when junior Adam Manzer jacked one over the fence in the top of the 4th giving Sonoma State a one run lead.

In the sixth inning the Seawolves doubled their lead after senior catcher Eric Ehlow ran in from third off a Philip Ramos infield single.

After six innings Sonoma State was up 2-0.

The seventh inning stretch proved fruitful for the Wildcats, as they were able to cut the Seawolve’s lead in half after senior outfielder Connor Huesers singled to left giving senior catcher Peter Miller the opportunity to score from second.

Through the seveth inning the score was Sonoma State with a 2-1 lead.

The break through for the ‘Cats came in the bottom of the ninth.

With the bases loaded and only one out, senior infielder Gordon Deacon sent a fly ball into left field deep enough to allow first year infielder Cameron Santos to tag up from third tying the game at two.

The final at bat for Chico State came when junior infielder Andrew Carrillo hit a walk off single through the right side. Huesers ran in from third giving the Wildcats a 3-2 victory.

Carrillo said his mentality stepping up to the plate was like any other time.

“Just trying to keep my head clear like any (at bat),” Carillo said.

Huesers said there was never a moment of doubt that the team would not make a comeback.

“It was the little things,” said head coach John Goelz of Sonoma State, that cost the Seawolves the game.

He also alluded to a controversial call by the home plate umpire, which allowed for the Wildcats to tie the game in the ninth inning.

“He was tagged on the hip,” said Goelz.

Sonoma State is now 0-5 in CCAA conference play, while Chico State improved to 4-0 in the conference.

James Groh can be reached at [email protected] or @James_Groh14on Twitter.