POMONA, Calif. — Cal State East Bay came away with a split in Saturday's doubleheader at Cal Poly Pomona, dropping the opener 7-4 before responding with a 6-4 victory in the nightcap at Scolinos Field.

The first game swung early.

Cal Poly Pomona used a four-run first inning to set the tone, forcing East Bay to play from behind the rest of the way. The Pioneers answered in the second on an RBI single from Gio Martini and gradually worked their way back into the game, adding runs in the middle and late innings.

Despite collecting 13 hits, East Bay was unable to fully erase the early deficit. William James provided a late spark with a solo home run in the ninth, while Alijah Ramos turned in a three-hit performance and Micah Cervantes added an RBI.

Jack Ellis took the loss after working six innings, while Noah Zirkle handled the final two frames in relief.

The second game unfolded much differently, with East Bay dictating the tempo early.

The Pioneers pushed across two runs in the first behind RBI singles from Ramos and Caleb Chance, then answered again after Pomona briefly moved ahead. An RBI groundout from Dylan Lencioni tied the game in the third before East Bay created separation in the fifth.

Chance brought in a run on a fielder's choice, and Hunter Cripe followed with a two-run single that shifted momentum firmly in the Pioneers' favor.

From there, the pitching staff took over.

Jack Harper bridged the middle innings, and AJ Murphy delivered an extended relief outing, limiting damage and keeping Pomona from regaining control. Alexander Howard handled the final three innings to secure the win.

Cervantes played a key role offensively, reaching base four times and scoring three runs, while Chance finished with two RBIs.

Cal State East Bay returns home next week for a CCAA series against Cal State San Marcos.