The Sonoma State Baseball team recorded their first conference victory of the season over their California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) rival, Chico State. This is the first time since 2018 the Seawolves defeated the Wildcats, ending a 10-game losing streak.

Splitting the series 2-2, Sonoma came out the gates swinging, managing to win the first game 9-5. Starting pitcher for Sonoma, Ross Goldschlag (3-1) recorded his first conference win of the year, while Michael Panichi got the save. Chico State first got on the board with two runs while Sonoma tied it up in the fifth inning.

Trading runs the next inning, Chico state reclaimed the lead for the last time in the seventh, 5-3. Rallying back, the Seawolves took advantage of walks and a key error leading them to their 9-5 victory. During the second game on Saturday, the Seawolves were defeated 16-1. The Wildcats scored early in the second inning but were mainly getting their runs towards the middle innings. Both sides took advantage of bullpen struggles, keeping pitch count down, and key errors helping them set up the rest of the games.

Tanner Fonoti is a third year art studio major, and starting pitcher for Sonoma. During game two on Sunday, Fonoti got his third overall victory. He said this weekend the team did great both offensively and defensively but have things that need to be worked and improved on. “We have some things to improve on as these first couple of games have been good learning experiences for everyone. Everyone can improve on their craft as no one is perfect in this game, it’s a team sport and everyone has to be focused and on the same page in order to win.”

On Sunday, Chico State and Sonoma State both held off rallies in their final innings of each game to split the CCAA series. During game one, Chico State held off Sonoma from rallying in the ninth inning to take game one of the doubleheader, 4-3. Yet, when the Seawolves went into the final inning of the nightcap, they returned the favor and stopped the Wildcats’ threat to take their final series game, 3-2. Starting pitcher for Sonoma, Fonoti, walked away with his first conference victory and Chase Banks grinded for the save.

“Beating Chico is huge for us, not only because we broke the five year streak, but it’s great momentum going into the rest of our season. We can beat anybody as long as we believe in each other and play as a team,” said Chris Wright. The first baseman has been an offensive force for the team hitting .300 with 18 hits and three home runs. Wright also mentioned the focus this year is playing hard for teammates while winning as many games as possible.

Chico State and Sonoma State combined had 44 hits and 18 walks this weekend, while both ball clubs had to settle with not only another twinbill, but left the diamond with a CCAA series split. Sonoma State ends the weekend with 8-9 overall and 2-7 in the conference.

“It’s only up from here. One thing we are doing successfully is competing, there isn’t a moment where we do not compete; everyone on this team is a dawg as we will do whatever to win these ball games” Fonoti said.