Box score

HAYWARD, Calif. - The Pioneer baseball team couldn't overcome an eight-run second inning by Central Washington in a 9-3 defeat to the Wildcats on February 11.

East Bay took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. Jared Berrier opened the inning with a double. Berrier advanced to third and scored on a Nick McManus' fielders choice.

Central Washington parlayed five hits into eight runs in the decisive second inning highlighted by Brandon Wang's two-run double and a three-run home run off the bat of Glen Reser.

The Pioneers scored solo runs in the third and fifth innings. Lincoln Clapper had a run-scoring single in the third and belted a solo home run in the fifth.

The Wildcats' Kyle Cruzen held the Pioneers to three runs and six hits in six innings of work to pick up the victory. Wang and Reser each drove in three runs.

The Pioneers received a solid performance from their bullpen. Xavier De La Cruz allowed one run on five hits with seven strikeouts in five innings. Keith Schwecke held the Wildcats scoreless and recorded four strikeouts in the final two frames.

McManus, Berrier and Clapper all had two hits.

The four-game series will resume with a doubleheader on February 12 at the Pioneer Baseball Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m.