CHICO, Calif. – Amid stormy conditions, Cal Poly Humboldt and Chico State battled through a Thursday doubleheader at Wildcat Field, with the Lumberjacks securing a dominant 6-0 shutout in game one before falling in a tightly contested 4-3 matchup in the nightcap. Gaige Garcia's complete-game gem and Julia Rivera's four-RBI performance powered Humboldt to victory in the opener, while a late Wildcats rally handed the 'Jacks a narrow defeat in game two. The series continues Saturday with a doubleheader set to begin at 11:00 a.m.

Game 1 - Cal Poly Humboldt 6, Chico State 0
Cal Poly Humboldt Shuts Out Chico State in Stormy Thursday Doubleheader Opener

In game one of a stormy Thursday doubleheader, Cal Poly Humboldt secured a dominant 6-0 victory over Chico State at Wildcat Field. The Lumberjacks improved to 18-8 overall and 7-4 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play, while the Wildcats fell to 13-10 (5-8 CCAA).

Game Summary

Gaige Garcia delivered yet another stellar performance in the circle, recording her CCAA-leading 10th win of the season (10-2) with a complete-game shutout. The right-hander allowed just two hits across seven innings, striking out four and walking three while throwing 105 pitches.

Offensively, Julia Rivera led the charge for the Lumberjacks, driving in four runs and launching her second home run of the season. Rivera put Humboldt on the board in the second inning with a two-run blast to right field, scoring Alyssa Smokey for a 2-0 lead. The 'Jacks extended their lead in the third, highlighted by Rivera's two-RBI single up the middle and an RBI double from Alyssa Ramirez.

Key Performances

• Julia Rivera: 2-for-3, 4 RBIs, HR
• Gaige Garcia: 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K (Win, 10-2)
• Alyssa Ramirez: 1-for-4, RBI double
• Alyssa Smokey: 2-for-3, 2 R, RBI

Chico State's starter Amelie Valdez (7-6) took the loss, surrendering six runs on five hits in two innings before being relieved by Chloey Swenson, who held Humboldt scoreless over the final five frames.

Game 2 - Chico State 4, Cal Poly Humboldt 3
Cal Poly Humboldt Drops Tight Contest to Chico State in Game Two of Doubleheader

Cal Poly Humboldt battled in a closely contested matchup but ultimately fell to Chico State, 4-3, in game two of Thursday's doubleheader at Wildcat Field. Despite a strong performance at the plate and on the mound, the Lumberjacks were unable to overcome the Wildcats in the final innings.

Humboldt (18-9, 7-5 CCAA) took an early lead in the first inning when Shelby Shanks singled up the middle, bringing home Hailee Moore for the game's opening run. Chico State (14-10, 6-8 CCAA) quickly responded in the bottom of the inning, tying the game on an RBI single by Aiyana Curry.

In the third inning, Alyssa Smokey launched a solo home run to center field to give Humboldt a 2-1 advantage. However, the Wildcats answered back in the bottom half of the frame as Curry delivered again, this time with a two-run double to left field, putting Chico State ahead 3-2.

The Lumberjacks evened the score in the fifth when Lauren Asia drove in Shanks with a single down the left-field line. But the Wildcats managed to push across the go-ahead run in the sixth, as Kennedy Gustin recorded an RBI infield single that plated Bella Tavares.

Smokey (5-3) took the loss in relief, tossing 3.2 innings while allowing just one earned run and striking out six. Riley Shopp started in the circle for the Lumberjacks, surrendering three runs on four hits in 2.1 innings of work. Tavares (5-2) picked up the win for Chico State after shutting down Humboldt over the final two innings.

Humboldt tallied five hits in the game, with Asia leading the way by going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Shanks and Smokey also contributed key hits, but the Wildcats' nine-hit performance proved to be the difference.

The four-game series will continue on Saturday, March 15, as the Lumberjacks and Wildcats return to action for games three and four at Wildcat Softball Field. First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

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