Box Score (Game 1)
Box Score (Game 2)

HAYWARD, Calif. (Feb. 12) -- Six players had two hits each in game one helping the Central Washington University baseball team split its doubleheader against California State University East Bay. Central won the opener, 9-5, before dropping the nightcap, 3-2.

The Wildcats are now 2-3 on the year, but have won two of the first three games of the four-game series with the Pioneers, who are now 2-4.

For the second consecutive game, Central used a big inning to blow the game open. In Saturday's opener, the Wildcats scored six runs in the third inning, with each of the first six hitters of the frame reaching base safely. Central totaled six hits en route to the 6-0 lead.

The Wildcats tacked on three more runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by two-out solo home run by junior David Leid (Carson City, Nev./Carson HS), his first of the season, and a RBI triple by junior Brett Bielec (Port Orchard/North Mason HS).

Cal State East Bay also scored three runs in its half of the fifth inning, and two runs in the seventh inning cut the final Wildcat margin to 9-5.

Wildcat starting pitcher Ryan Hastings (Lynden; 1-0) threw five innings, giving up three runs on five hits and striking out three to earn his first win at CWU. Senior pitcher Blaine Holbrook (Quilcene/Chimacum HS), the fourth pitcher of the game for Central, threw the final 2 2/3 innings and held the Pioneers to just one hit, picking up his first save of the season.

Every batter in the Wildcat lineup earned a hit in the contest with Jimmy Ryerson (Seattle/Roosevelt HS), Derrick Webb (Ephrata), Glen Reser (Spokane/Mead HS), Kris Henderson (Liberty Lake/Central Valley HS), Bielec and Nate Wallen (Bremerton/Central Kitsap HS) all contributing two hits. It marked the third straight game in which Reser had at least two hits.

The Pioneers got three hits from Jared Barrier, who also had two runs batted in. Nick McManus also drove in two runs for Cal State East Bay.

In game two, Central Washington took a 2-0 first-inning lead. Ryerson led off the inning with a double and Kelly Gau (Woodinville) followed with a RBI single. Gau eventually scored as he stole third, forcing an errant throw by the Pioneers, which subsequently allowed Gau to score.

Cal State East Bay loaded the bases in the third inning, and McManus singled to drive in a pair of runs for the Pioneers to tie the game at 2-2. Two innings later, CSUEB added the go ahead run on Charlie Sharrer's one-out RBI double.

Pioneer starting pitcher A.J. Gallardo, who struck out six for the game, held the Wildcats hitless over the next two innings, finishing off a complete game and enabling Cal State East Bay to complete the 3-2 victory.

Both starting pitchers went the distance and each gave up six hits in the seven-inning game. Central senior Jake Millbauer (Kennewick/Kamiakin HS) walked four batters and struck out two.

The Wildcats will finish up their six-game California road trip with their final game against Cal State East Bay on Sunday morning.