ROHNERT PARK, Calif- Junior Bryan Oland was simply dominant, striking out a career-high 13 batters, to lead No. 2 Sonoma State to a 5-1 series opening win over No. 8 Chico State on Friday afternoon at Seawolf Diamond. Oland allowed just one hit, a bunt single, over his final five innings to help the Seawolves improve to 45-8, 28-5 CCAA and wrap up the No. 1 seed in next week's CCAA Tournament. The Wildcats drop to 42-10, 23-10 CCAA.
With the win the Seawolves improve to 35-3 at home this season.
Oland improved to 10-1 on the season and saw his earned run average dip to 1.77. His 13 strikeouts give him 91 for the season, just two off Darren Sack's record of 93 set in 2004.
SSU third baseman Chase McGuire got the Seawolves on the board in the 2nd inning when he blasted his twelfth home run of the year, a solo shot to left center.
The Wildcats had several chances against Oland early, the best coming in the third inning when they loaded the bases with just one out. A single by Daniel Code, the Chico's fourth of the inning, gave the Wildcats a run, but Oland quickly got out of the inning and was never in trouble again.
SSU was able to answer Chico's run with two of their own in the bottom of the third on a two-run single through the left side by designated hitter Tyler Wightman.
The Seawolves put the game out of reach in the eighth when Tyrese McDaniel doubled home a run and McGuire hit a sacrifice fly to make it 5-1.
SSU closer Paige Dumont pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to close the door on the Wildcats.
Chico State starter Nick Bryant (L, 9-1) was touched up for three runs on five hits for his first loss of the year. Bryant struck out seven batters before giving way to Kyle Gibson who pitched the final two.
SSU's Wightman was the only player in the game with multiple hits as he finished the day 2-for-3.
The series continues on Saturday afternoon with a single game at 12:00 pm. It will be the final home game of the season for SSU and their seniors will be honored in a pre-game ceremony.
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