RIVERSIDE — A career night from designated hitter Diego Cardenas fueled ACU to a 12–2 win over California Baptist on Friday evening at Totman Stadium. The Wildcats improved to 30–21 overall and 14–9 in WAC play, locking up the No. 2 seed for next week's WAC Tournament.
Cardenas etched his name into the ACU record books with an unforgettable performance, going 4-for-5 with three home runs and nine RBIs. The senior launched a three-run homer in the sixth, followed by a two-run blast in the seventh, and capped the night with a grand slam in the eighth. His offensive explosion accounted for nine of ACU's 12 total runs.
The game remained scoreless through four innings as both starting pitchers found early success. ACU broke the deadlock at the top of the fifth on a sacrifice fly from Nick Arias, then opened the floodgates, an inning later. After Zandt Payne led off the sixth with a double and Benjamin Greer drew a walk, Cardenas delivered his first home run of the night — a towering shot to left field that gave ACU a 4–0 lead.
Greer finished the night reaching base all five times, collecting two hits, two walks, and three runs scored. Braden Regala added a pair of hits, an RBI, and a stolen base. ACU totaled 12 hits and stole four bases, applying constant pressure on the CBU defense.
On the mound, Dominick Reid delivered a masterful performance, tossing six scoreless innings while striking out nine and allowing just two hits. The right-hander earned his sixth win of the season and controlled the tempo from the outset. Reliever Chandler Benson closed the final two innings, surrendering two runs but preserving the double-digit lead.
California Baptist was held to just four hits and scored both runs in the seventh inning. Starter Ryan Kittredge took the loss for the Lancers, while three relievers struggled to contain ACU's red-hot bats.
With the Wildcats finishing the game in eight innings, the series is now tied. With first pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. CT as ACU looks to secure the series and build momentum heading into the WAC tournament.
