ROHNERT PARK, Calif- Needing to get on a run and in a hurry, Sonoma State came up big on Saturday with two critical conference wins over Cal State East Bay.  The Seawolves rode the hot arm of Scott Alexander in game one, who pitched no-hit ball through seven innings, and poured in four runs in the bottom of the sixth in game two to seal the day one sweep over the Pioneers.  With the victories, Sonoma State improved to 14-16 overall and 7-11 in CCAA play.  The Pioneers fell to 9-20-1 this season with a 5-17 conference mark.

Seawolves 5, Pioneers 3

In game one, the Seawolves wasted no time establishing an early lead.  After Alexander made quick work of the Pioneers in the top of the first, Kyle Jones led off the bottom half of the inning with a double to deep left center.  Erik Hansen laid down a sacrifice bunt that advanced Jones to third, who would then score on the very next at-bat after Max Shupe grounded to third base.

In the very next inning, the Seawolves burst open the flood gates.  With one out, Matt McCormick plunked Chad Inderwiesche to put the catcher on first.  Brian Wright then reached on a bobbled field from shortstop Alex Anicich which put two runners on.  After Jones struck out looking, Hansen doubled down the left field line bringing everyone home, extending the Seawolf lead to 3-0.  Shupe would later single in Hansen, as the Sonoma State exited the inning with a 4-0 advantage.

Heading into the ninth inning with a 5-0 lead, the Seawolves looked to wrap up a game one win.  However, they would make it more suspenseful than anyone anticipated.  Jayson Richards replaced Alexander on the mound in the eighth innnig, and looked to close out the final three outs.  The Pioneers had never-say-die on their minds as Cal State East Bay shot three straight RBI hits down the left field line.  That would be as much damage as the Pioneers could pile on as Richards struck out Jake Walter to give Sonoma State the victory.

Alexander (1-4) pitched his best game this season, going seven innings without giving up a hit.  He walked four while striking out eight batters.  Hansen led the offense going 2-for-3 with three RBI and also contributed on defense, offering some nice defense plays, turning in a double play.

For the Pioneers, McCormick (1-2) was charged with the loss after pitching all eight innings allowing only two earned runs out of five and stricking out five Seawolves while walking three.  Devin Grigg and Charlie Sharper each went 1-for-3 with RBI doubles in the ninth.

Seawolves 7, Pioneers 2

The second slate of today's doubleheader had the feel for a classic pitcher's duel.  Through the top of the third inning, neither team scored a run and only the Pioneers had manufactured a hit.  In the bottom half of the inning, the Seawolves again jumped out to an early lead as Wright doubled in Ryan Morales to give Sonoma State the early 1-0 lead.  In the Seawolf fourth, Shupe sent a 1-1 pitch over the left-center fence to lead off with a home run and extend the lead, 2-0.

Both teams would trade one run apiece through the top of the sixth inning before the Seawolves came up big in the bottom half of the inning.  Hanging on to a slim 3-2 lead, Sonoma State cached in on its insurance claim after Ryan Stevens led off with a walk.  Cameron Cook singled to third base who was then foillowed by a Joey Parigi sac bunt, sending both runners into scoring position.  After the Pioneers intentionally walked Morales to load the bases, Bobby Cozine came in to pinch hit for Ian Cook.  With a 0-2 count, Cozine flied to deep right field, bringing home pinch runner Steven Filippi and starting the run.  Wright drove in two more runs with a double down the right field line, and the Seawolves would tack on one more run to take a 7-2 lead into the final frame and the eventual final score.

Thomas Lee (4-2) got the start for the Seawolves, going five and one-third innings pitched, giving up two runs and striking out three while walking two.  Jarrod Dumont received credit for the save, coming in during the top of the sixth while the outcome was still in question.  Jones and Wright spurred the offense in game two with a pair of RBI each, and Morales scored three runs for the Seawolves.

Paul Jinkens (2-2) was credited for the loss after giving up seven runs through six innings of work.  The Pioneers never went to their bullpen in either game.  Grigg lead the Pioneers in game two going 1-for-2 with an RBI and run scored.

The Seawolves will head down to Hayward Sunday to wrap up the four game split series with the Pioneers.  First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.