In another game featuring strong pitching and offensive power, the 27th ranked Chico State baseball team defeated the 23rd ranked UC San Diego Tritons 7-0 in the first of three games at home on Friday, March 25.

With the win, the Wildcats’ record improves to 18-6 overall and 8-4 in conference play.

Wildcats starting pitcher Clayton Gelfand put in more strong pitching, improving his record to 5-2. Gelfand pitched eight innings while only giving up two hits, striking out eight batters and walking three.

Gelfand was helped by Cameron Santos and Cody Snider who both had two RBIs apiece.

In the first inning, Chico State would strike first scoring two runs thanks to junior catcher Dillon Kelley’s RBI ground out with the bases loaded which allowed junior outfielder Sonny Cortez to score. Cortez walked to begin the inning for the Wildcats. Kelley’s RBI was followed up by junior outfielder Cody Snider’s RBI single to right field which brought in sophomore infielder Cameron Santos.

It wasn’t until the fifth inning where the Wildcats would add more runs. Cortez singled with one out which brought up Santos. Santos doubled to right center for the RBI and increased the lead to 3-0. The scoring would not end there as Snider singled to center field which allowed Santos to score from third base after Kelley walked.

With a 4-0 lead at the bottom of the fifth inning Kelley scored from a wild pitch and Snider moved to third base. Next to bat was junior outfielder Josh Falco who also got in on the scoring with his double with two outs to bring in Snider and increased the Wildcats lead over the Tritons to 6-0.

Santos singled to center field, bringing in Chico State’s final run of the game.

The Wildcats finished the weekend with a doubleheader against the UC San Diego Tritons at home on Saturday, March 26.

Carlos Islas can be reached at [email protected] or @cIslasReports on Twiiter