Former collegiate baseball player killed in car crash

Former San Bernardino Valley College and Cal State San Bernardino baseball player Jake Pilkerton, 22, was killed in a car accident early Saturday morning on his way from San Bernardino to his home in Lake Arrowhead.

San Bernardino police received a report of a collision on Highway 18, south of Upper Waterman Canyon Road. Pilkerton was driving north on the highway, negotiating a curve, when he lost control of his vehicle, police said.

Pilkerton’s vehicle spun out, crossed into the southbound lanes and collided with a tractor-trailer, Lt. Mike Madden said. Pilkerton was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pilkerton started in 47 of Cal State’s 48 games last season, hitting .204.

As a junior in 2012 he appeared in 38 games with 34 starts at second base. He hit. .298 (34-114) with 34 hits, eight doubles, one triple and one home run with a team-best on-base percentage (.437).

Before that he played two seasons at SBVC. Pilkerton earned second-team All-Foothill Conference at second base. He started all 36 games, hitting .297 and leading team in runs scored (38). He also boasted a .957 fielding percentage.

He was a graduate of Rim of the World High School where he also excelled on the diamond.

Funeral services are set for 3 p.m. on Aug. 13 at Church of the Woods in Lake Arrowhead.

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