Box score

CHICO, Calif. – The Pioneer baseball team lost to Chico State, 4-2 in the first game of a four-game series on March 23.

East Bay stands at 3-10 in CCAA play and 9-14 for the season. Chico State improves to 10-7 in the CCAA and 20-7 overall.

The Wildcats broke a 2-2 tie with two runs in the bottom of the seven as Shane Kroker and Pierson Jeremiah each drove in a run.

The Pioneers had two runners aboard in the top of the seventh, but failed to score. East Bay went out in order in the eighth and ninth innings.

Charlie Sharrer tripled to score Andrew Woolfe as the Pioneers took a 1-0 lead in the first inning.

Jeremiah had an RBI single in a two-run Wildcat second inning.

East Bay tied the game in the top of the fifth inning as Eddie Rettagliata reached on a bunt single, advanced to second on a balk and went to third on a sacrifice bunt. Rettagliata crossed home plate on a groundout by Bryson Nakamura.

Pioneer starting hurler Bryce Miller (1-4) had a good outing as he held the Wildcats to one earned run and six hits in 6.1 innings of work. Miller recorded six strikeouts, giving him a staff-best 42 for the season. Reliever Zachary Wong didn't allow a run in 1.1 innings.  Kyle Zozaya was 2-for-4 at the plate.

Chico State starting pitcher Kagen Hopkins improved to 4-2 while Mike Botelho picked up his fifth save of the season.

The two teams will play a doubleheader on March 24 at Nettelton Stadium. The first pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.