Senior pitcher Taylor Aikenhead started off to a good game against New Mexico State on Friday, April 9 at Hardt Field.
By Stephany Bravo
Staff Writer
The `Runner baseball team defeated the New Mexico State Aggies 13-1 on Friday, May 9 at Hardt Field. The `Runners, along with staff and students of CSUB were told the day before that Head Coach Bill Kernan will no longer be with the team.
Kernan will be leaving Bakersfield to be a screenplay writer in New York City.
“I am very thankful for him to have brought me here to sign with CSUB. It was the best thing I could do with my life,” said senior shortstop Oscar Sanay.
Sanay, along with other members of the team, played very well defensively, only allowing one run and three hits. Sanay lead the team early to victory with a single to the left field, helping the team get four runs and five hits in the first inning of the game.
Sophomore infielder Mylz Jones hurtles senior infielder Oscar Sanay into home plate.
“It’s bittersweet [having this be my last home game series] I have been really fortunate staying healthy all these four years,” Sanay said. “It’s not easy, it’s not something flashy, it’s very tedious but with the game if you stick to your hard work it will pay you back, I am really thankful to get to this point.”
The `Runners kept their ground and did everything possible from letting New Mexico score. Senior pitcher Taylor Aikenhead allowed a run and two hits at the top of the seventh inning but ruled over New Mexico State with the 13-1 win.
“The efforts always been there we have just been struggling offensively but lately we’ve been hitting the ball a lot better, it’s how we’re going to win for offense,” Aikenhead said.
Aikenhead pitched for seven innings, collecting five strikeouts and only giving up 3 hits. “I am going to miss playing but I am glad to be going out on a good note with this game, said Aikenhead.
Associate Head Coach guides his team in to home plate as the New Mexico opponents attempt to strike CSUB players out.
Although Aikenhead will not experience the strategic plays behind the replacing coach, Aikenhead include that it will be different for the players because Kernan has been with the team for last six seasons.
“Coach is big on the mental side of the game, preparing us mentally and giving us the attitude that no one will beat us, he doesn’t focus a lot on mechanics which is different,” Aikenhead said.
The `Runners continued their three game series with The New Mexico Aggies the following day, with a score of 7-3, but had an unfortunate loss on Sunday with a score of 7-19 having the New Mexico State win the series finale.
The `Runners will be expected to play in a three game series against The Seattle Redhawks starting Thursday, May 15.
