HAYWARD – The close games continued as Saturday’s doubleheaders were decided by one run as the series was split between the Warriors from California State University, Stanislaus and the Pioneers from California State University, East Bay.
The ninth inning nearly slipped away from them in the morning game, but the Warriors managed to come away with the victory 5-4, but lost in the afternoon game in seven innings, 3-2.
Rafael Vasquez pitched six strong innings as he allowed only one earned run on two hits, walked one and struck seven out as he picked up his first win of the season and stands at 1-1.  
Chris Short came in to relief in the seventh inning and finished the game as he went three innings strong while allowing three runs on three hits, walking and striking out two as he picked up his first save this year.
“I felt good, although they scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth, I still felt in control and had no doubt we were winning the ball game,” Short said. “I didn’t have my best stuff physically but I mentally wasn’t going to be beat by their hitters, our team played a great game and I am glad I had the chance to close it out for the win.”
For the Pioneers, pitcher Ben O’Bryan tossed 6 2/3 innings while allowing four unearned runs on four hits behind a defense that committed four errors for the ball game.
The offense continued to contribute hits, as Colton Beatty and Jordan Long each had multiple hits and each drove in a run.
Justin Manci, who currently holds a five game hitting streak, had multiple hits going 2-for-4 with a run scored in the leadoff spot for the Warriors.
“I feel good about the leadoff spot and very comfortable,” Manci said. “Wherever Coach Kenny wants me in the lineup is fine by me, I will do my best to get on base and drive in runs to help the team.”
In the second game, the Warriors struck first and took the 2-0 lead by the middle of the second inning after a couple of squeeze bunts from DJ Arellano and Garret Wright.
However, the Pioneers scored three unanswered runs in the bottom of the second and third as it would be enough to beat the Warriors.
AJ Gallardo pitched outstandingly for the Pioneers as he threw seven innings, allowing no earned runs on five hits and striking out two as he picked up his third win of the season, now 3-0.
Shay Maltese picked up his third loss of the season as he went 3 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits and is now 1-3.
Eli Davis went 3-for-3, while Justin Manci and Michael Turay both doubled to account for the Warriors’ five hits.