RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- The Bakersfield softball team continued play at the UC Riverside Amy S. Harrison Tournament Saturday afternoon, losing to the host Highlanders by a score of 15-10.

The 'Runners put pressure on UCR early after two singles and a walk loaded the bases in the top of the second inning. Jessica Castaneda (So., Bakersfield, Calif., Ridgeview HS) was safe at home on an error by the shortstop to give Bakersfield its first run of the game and a 1-0 lead. Karissa Veiga (Sr., Hemet, Calif., Hemet HS) continued her hot hitting by promptly clearing the bases with a triple.

Bakersfield kept the ball rolling by adding four more runs in the third inning. Four 'Runners had RBI in the inning, including a one-out double to the right center gap by Sydney Raeber (So., Hanford, Calif., Hanford HS) that plated Ashley Carter (Jr., Tehachapi, Calif., Tehachapi HS) and gave Bakersfield an 8-0 lead.

The Highlanders would not go quietly, however, as they managed to score five runs of their own in the bottom half of the third. Five singles and two walks led to the surge which brought the score to 8-5 and was highlighted by a one-out, two-RBI single to left center.

UCR continued the scoring in the fourth and gained the lead by plating six runners. The 11-8 lead came off of four more hits, one error, and two walks.

The Roadrunners loaded the bases in the top of the fifth inning but the threat was ended on a fielder's choice that threw out the runner on her way to home. UC Riverside extended their lead in the fifth thanks to a two-RBI double that made the score 13-8.

Bakersfield rallied in the top of sixth as Castaneda sent a ball flying over the left field wall. The two-run homer drew the 'Runners within three runs, but another two-run double for UCR in the bottom half of the inning would give the Highlanders a 15-10 lead that they would hold onto to the end of the game.

Four RBI on the day brought Karissa Veiga's season total to 10 and gave her the team-leading total in the category. Veiga's two hits also extended her hitting streak to seven games while three other 'Runners added two hits in the game: Castaneda, Carter, and Raeber.

Bakersfield (2-11) will return to action Sunday with a doubleheader. The first game will start at 9 a.m. as the 'Runners take on Loyala Marymount. The afternoon game will be a rematch of Saturday's contest against the host UC Riverside. First pitch for that game is scheduled for 2 p.m.

~www.GoRunners.com~