CHICO, Calif. – Saint Martin's opened the 2022 season by traveling to nationally ranked Chico State on Friday. Facing one of the best teams in the region, the Saints fell 13-0 despite strong outings from Mark Steward, and Jonathan Shimabukuro.
 
The GNAC All-Conference selection a year ago, Steward, began the year with a 3-for-4 day at the plate, highlighted by a double in the third inning. New addition Shimabukuro opened his Saints' career with a 1-for-3 day, including a walk. Starting pitcher Justice Yamashita went 4.0 innings, allowing five runs, three earned on seven hits and three strikeouts.
 
Saint Martin's (0-1) put a runner in scoring position in both the first and second inning but were unable to capitalize. Cody Chavis reached on a hit-by-pitch in the first and stole second with one out before Chico State (1-0) managed to work out of the inning. 
 
In the next frame, Shimabukuro walked in his opening at-bat, and Griffin Williams followed up with a single. Braeden McNally loaded the bases with one out on a single through the left side. However, the threat was ended on a double-play to keep the game at a 1-0 score. 
 
Saint Martin's had chances in the third inning on a Steward double, and in the sixth on another Steward hit, plus wild pitch to break the shutout. Each time, Chico State found a way to escape the jam.
 
The Saints and the Wildcats began games two and three of the four game series tomorrow, Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM with live stats and video available on smusaints.com.