CHICO, Calif-  The Sonoma State offense stayed as hot as the Chico weather on Saturday, pounding out 18 hits as the Seawolves blasted Chico State 13-2 at the NCAA Baseball Championship West Regional at Nettleton Stadium in Chico.  The win leaves the Seawolves in very good shape heading into tomorrow's championship.  The Seawolves (49-13) will need to win just one game to advance to the NCAA Division II College World Series.

For Chico State, the loss snapped a twelve-game winning streak in NCAA Tournament play at Nettleton.  It was also the first win in six tries for Sonoma State over Chico in the NCAA's.

The 18-hit performance gives the Seawolves 55 hits in their first three games at the regional.  SSU has outscored their opponents by a 38-8 margin. 

The Seawolves got things started in the first inning, with five hits and three runs against Chico State starter Andrew Pluta.  The would not let up, hammering Pluta out of the game in the fifth inning on their way to another three-run frame.  SSU would score five runs in the sixth and the rout was on.

Kris Haycock had four hits in the game, a double, triple, and two singles.  He scored three runs and drove in three as well.  Nick Nosti had three hits and three runs and Ian Bridges drove in four runs in the game. 

Kevin Asselin was solid on the mound, giving the Seawolves their third straight outstanding outing from a starter.  Asselin worked his way out of some trouble early in the game before settling down and allowing just two runs in eight innings of work.  The Redwood City native improved to 8-2 on the season.

Andrew Pluta was tagged with the loss for Chico State.  He surrendered five earned run and nine hits in four innings of work.

Tomorrow's game will be available via an Internet webcast.  Be sure to listen as the Seawolves go for their first NCAA West Regional championship.

Box Score