For the first time in school history, California State University, Stanislaus will have the ability to host night games for both baseball and softball.
The teams will begin their seasons with newly installed light towers on their respective fields.  The project began late last year and was completed a month or so before the season was set to begin. Each team has already begun practicing under the lights.
“I think the lights are great. It makes our field and facility look really nice,” said junior infielder Martin Gomez.  “It is a great asset and now gives people a chance to watch us play both during the day and under the lights.”
Increased attendance is just one of the many benefits the new lights will hopefully bring the teams this season.
“I hope students will take advantage of the lights and come support softball and baseball,” senior, shortstop Brittney Rickles said. “Considering the games won’t be during class for most.”
Another huge benefit of having lights is that it will allow CSU Stanislaus to host California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) softball and baseball Championships. Stanislaus has played host to CCAA Track and Field Championships and has hosted four consecutive CCAA Soccer Championships.  UC San Diego is the only other school in the CCAA with both softball and baseball lights.
Softball will have to wait to play an official game under the lights, but has already begun their weekly night practices.
“The first practice under the lights as a team went great,” Rickles said.  For those unable to attend a game, the softball team holds weekly practices at night on Wednesdays.
The baseball team won the first two night games in school history during Monday’s doubleheader.  The Warriors bested the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds in two exciting games.
The first  game ended in walk-off fashion as Marcus Mastrobuoni’s game-winning RBI single clinched the game for the Warriors.  The walk-off finished a late rally by the Warriors and gave them a 7-6 victory.
Colton Beatty continued his impressive start to the season adding another RBI and two hits.
Ryan McDaniel came out of the bullpen for the Warriors and was able to earn the win.
Nick Ippolito threw well for the Warriors, going six-plus innings and earning a no-decision.  The freshman pitcher allowed 10 hits in his 2014 debut but minimalized much of the damage and struck out four Sunbirds.
Sharing the spotlight with the new lights, junior Dayton Mellor shined on the night.  The versatile junior went 5-for-9 on the night and played a huge role in the Warriors two wins.  Mellor contributed three RBIs on the night.
In the nightcap, the Warriors sent 11 men to the plate and scored five runs in the third contributing to their  6-5 victory.  The wild third inning  started with a leadoff walk followed by six straight singles.
The night ended with Gomez closing the game on the mound earning his first save of the season.
Gomez retired the first two hitters he faced, allowed a single and then retired the next Sunbird to seal the Warrior sweep.