Reporter
The CSU Bakersfield baseball team battled New Mexico State University to win two out of three games in the Western Athletic Conference weekend series. The Roadrunners snapped a five-game losing streak against the Aggies and won another series at home thanks to early runs. With the two wins, CSUB moved to the eighth spot in the conference as they try to hold out to compete in the WAC Tournament next month. The Roadrunners will play against Loyola Marymount Tuesday, April 26 at 6pm, who beat CSUB earlier this week, 17-5. CSUB will then face WAC rival Utah Valley University April 29, 30 and May 1.
They scored early,” said CSUB head coach Bob Macaluso. “It energized the team, so it helped us out.” The Roadrunners (9-29, 4-10 WAC) were able to score early in all three games to give the Aggies a fight for the series.
“We have to win ball games to get to the tournament,” said senior Chance Gusbeth. “That’s our focus, to win ball games.”
CSUB redshirt-junior Dustin Frailey was able to tie the school record for most doubles in a game with two. This is the second time he had done this. Frailey also earned his 21st multi-hit game on Sunday.
April 22
CSUB 7, New Mexico State 6
MVP
CSUB senior Mahlik Jones went two for five with three runs batted in to help the Roadrunners defeat the Aggies, 7-6.
Key Moment
The Roadrunners were able to score early with junior Max Carter and freshman Sergio Robles bringing in a total of two Runs Batted In’s in the first inning. In the bottom of the second inning, Jones doubled and brought in two runs, to make the score 4-0.
April 23
New Mexico State 5, CSUB 4
MVP
New Mexico State junior Dan Hetzel batted to bring in three RBIs. The Aggies took advantage of five errors from the Roadrunners to win the game, 5-4.
Key Moment
At the top of the third inning with two runners on base, the Aggies junior Dan Hetzel hit a homerun to center field bringing the score to 3-1.
April 24
CSUB 8, New Mexico State 2
MVP
Gusbeth drove in three RBIs and earned the save against the Aggies, only allowing one run and getting three strikeouts to win the series for the Roadrunners.
Key Moment
After two RBI singles at the bottom of the second inning that gave the Roadrunners an early lead, CSUB added to that lead in the third.
A walk to start the bottom of the third brought David Metzgar up to bat. Metzgar laid down a sacrifice bunt and drew an error allowing batters to be on first and third now. Carter doubled to bring in two RBIs. With a wild pitch from the Aggies, Carter advanced to third base allowing Gusbeth to bring the runner in and extend the lead to 5-0.
