CHICO (March 24, 2018) — The Coyotes played tough in both games Saturday, but Chico State took control in the opener with a nine-run seventh and won 13-4. But CSUSB answered back in the nightcap, thanks to the arm of senior RHP Konner Arnold and late-game scoring in a 4-0 victory.
 
CSUSB takes an 8-17, 8-11 CCAA record into Sunday's finale. Chico State is 16-11, 12-9.
 
Game 1: Chico State 13, Coyotes 4
Tied at 4-4, the Wildcats broke the opener with a nine-run seventh for the victory.
 
Shawn Porthan had CSUSB's only extra-base hit, a lead-off double in the seventh. The Coyotes, who trailed 4-2, tied the game in the seventh, thanks to their three hits. Ty Lineberger and Gabe Chavez each had RBI in the inning.
 
Game 2: Coyotes 4, Chico State 0
Arnold was outstanding in his three-hit shutout. He kept the Coyotes in the game and CSUSB took charge with a four-run seventh for the win.
 
What was even more remarkable about CSUSB's victory was it scored all four of its runs with two outs.
 
Three straight hits by Jason Nall (double) and singles by Lineberger and Chavez put CSUSB up 2-0.
 
CSUSB then loaded the bases and Tyler Robles' run-scoring single brought home Ceniceros and Chavez scored on an error.
 
Arnold improved to 4-1 with two strikeouts and three hits. He faced just 25 batters.