CHICO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific baseball team wrapped up the first series of the year on Saturday afternoon, defeating 9th-ranked Chico State 6-3 on the road.  
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 6, (#9) Chico State 3
Records: FPU (1-2), CSUC (2-1)
Location: Nettleton Stadium | Chico, Calif.   
All-Time Series: Chico State leads 9-4
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
• Chico State started the scoring in the second with an RBI single from designated hitter Trevor Steinman. The Sunbirds got the run back an inning later, when shortstop Tristen Alvarez launched a solo shot over the wall in left.
• Steinman plated his second run of the game in the fourth to give the Wildcats a 2-1 lead, but the Fresno Pacific offense came alive in the sixth. Behind base hits from Braden Frankfort, Ross Dodds and Matt McGrady, the Blue and Orange tallied four runs in the frame to move in front 5-2.
• Alvarez singled up the middle to open the ninth, and a balk put him in scoring position at second base. Two batters later, Eddie Sievers lined a single of his own, providing the Sunbirds with an insurance run. Wildcat centerfielder Dustin Miller singled to left and brought home a run, but Chico State would get no closer.
• Newcomer Alex Garcia received the starting nod for FPU, scattering four hits and striking out four before giving way to the bullpen in the fifth. Jonathan Molina (1-0) allowed just one base hit over the next four frames, and Angel Flores overcame a walk and a hit to uphold the first Sunbird victory of the season.
• CSUC starter Hilario Tovar fanned eight Sunbirds over the game's first five innings, but each of his five successors failed to find the same groove.
• Sievers, Dodds and Alvarez each contributed multi-hit games for the Sunbirds, while Miller tallied three of Chico State's six hits.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Alvarez' became the second Sunbird in as many days to hit his first career home run, following Nate Case on Friday afternoon.
• Frankfort hit safely in all three games this weekend, going 4-for-12 at the plate with a run and four runs driven in.
• Prior to Saturday, the Wildcats had won their last 15 contests and 30 of the last 31 at Nettleton Stadium.  
 
ON DECK:
• FPU returns to action on Friday, when they welcome Sonoma State for the opener of a three-game series. First pitch from FPU Diamond is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.