Butte Opens Golden Valley Conference Play with 5-2 Win Over Feather River

The Butte College Roadrunners started Golden Valley Conference play on a high note, defeating Feather River College 5-2 on Friday, February 21, 2025.

The Roadrunners wasted no time getting on the board, as Trent Van Nuys singled home Nathan Brown in the top of the first inning. Feather River responded in the bottom of the third, scoring its lone run off Butte's starting pitcher Jordan Riley.

Butte reclaimed the lead for good in the fourth. Grant Sonke led off with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Van Nuys then executed a productive groundout to the second baseman, moving Sonke to third. Moments later, Sonke capitalized on another wild pitch to put Butte ahead 2-1.

The Roadrunners added insurance in the fifth when Ryan Pearson singled and advanced to second on a Carter Imbach base hit. Aidan Robles followed with a sacrifice bunt, scoring Pearson to extend the lead. In the sixth, Sonke reached on a walk and later came around to score on a Feather River error, giving Butte its final run of the game.

Jordan Riley earned his third win of the season, throwing seven strong innings while striking out four. Brent Gallegos pitched a solid eighth inning but ran into trouble in the ninth, hitting two batters and surrendering a single that cut the lead to 5-2.

With one out and runners on first and third, Gino Marble entered in relief and quickly shut the door. He got Cepeda to fly out to center before striking out Zach Denton looking, securing his second save of the season.

Butte (1-0 in conference play) will look to keep the momentum going in a home doubleheader against Feather River on Saturday, February 22, with first pitch set for 11 a.m.