Box Score: Coyotes 4, No. 15 Chico State 3

SAN BERNARDINO -- Senior Paul Eshleman laced a two-out, walk-off single to lift the Coyotes to a 4-3 thriller over No. 15 Chico State in the series finale at Fiscalini Field on Saturday.

The Coyotes (17-12 overall and 14-10 CCAA) took the series against the always-tough Wildcats (26-12, 16-12) 3 games to 1.

In the ninth, lead-off hitter Ethan Chapman drew a hit by pitch against Jeremy Perez, then moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Curtis Cassise. Brandon Day followed with another hit by pitch and the Coyotes had runners at first and second with one out.

Darren Dworak then flew out on foul fly to left that brought Eshleman to the plate. Chico State brought in reliever Sean Martin, but Eshlelman made sure of the victory when he sent a 1-0 offering to the right-center gap that brought in Chapman and created a mass celebration just beyond first base.

Chico State led 2-0 until Eshleman led off the fifth inning with a home run to left that broke up Wildcats RHP Troy Nieman's no-hit bid.

The Coyotes tied the game at 2-2 in the sixth on Matt Haney's bases-loaded walk that brought in Curtis Cassise, who reached on a hit by pitch.

CSUSB then went ahead in the eighth. After Eshleman grounded out to short, Haney reached base on a single to left. Designated hitter Jake Pilkerton followed with a double to right and Haney scored when right fielder Ian McKay's throw got past third base and both runners advanced a base.

The Wildcats responded with a run in the ninth to tie at 3-3. Pierson Jeremiah's sacrifice fly to right with one out brought in pinch-runner Peter Boulden.

Sophomore LHP Kerry Kelley earned the win in one inning of relief. Coyotes starter Cory Caruso threw seven innings, scattered six hits, two runs (both earned) and struck out three.

Eshleman finished 2-for-5 with two RBI. Edwin Mendoza also had two hits.
Blake Gibbs and McKay each had two hits.

CSUSB returns to CCAA play Friday when it begins a four-game series against visiting Cal State East Bay.