ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – Sonoma State battled through a hard-fought doubleheader against Cal State East Bay on Saturday, securing a dramatic 4-3 walk-off win in the opener before falling 5-4 in extra innings in the nightcap at Seawolf Diamond.
Game 1: Sonoma State 4, Cal State East Bay 3
Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth, Bryson McArn delivered in the clutch, launching a game-tying solo home run to right field. That blast set the stage for Ben Saitz and Joey Replogle to team up for the game-winning hit, with Replogle knocking in Saitz for the walk-off victory. Cooper Callison was an unsung hero as well stepping up to the plate in the 8th inning as a pinch hitter. Facing two outs with a runner on third and trailing 3-1, Callison lined a perfectly placed single out to left field to drive in Evan Merz. When his number was called, the veteran answered resoundingly and the game was 3-2 in the blink of an eye.
The Seawolves' offense collected 11 hits, with Saitz (3-for-5) and Replogle (2-for-4, RBI) leading the charge. On the mound, Luke Ivanoff and David Howard combined for a strong outing, allowing just three hits. Howard earned the win with 4.2 innings of two-run ball, striking out two. McArn also put on a show on defense showcasing his ability to control the outfield highlighted robbing a home run from the Pioneers with an outstanding leaping catch at the wall.
Game 2: Cal State East Bay 5, Sonoma State 4 (10 innings)
McArn continued his stellar day at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a double and a walk in the second game. Sonoma State grabbed a 4-2 lead in the fifth inning, but the Pioneers answered back and forced extras, ultimately scoring the winning run in the 10th.
Pitching remained solid for the Seawolves despite the tough loss. Blake Janowicz worked 4.2 innings of two-run ball, while Noah Souza and Herman Luna combined for 5.1 innings of relief, surrendering just three runs.
Despite the split, McArn's consistent bat and the Seawolves' resilient pitching staff showed promise as they look ahead to the final game of series out on Seawolf Diamond.