DENVER, Colo.- Bakersfield left-hander Taylor Aikenhead (Sr., Lancaster, Calif., Bakersfield College) has been named the Western Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week for the second week in a row.

Aikenhead, struck out a career-high 10 as he led the 'Runners to a 4-1 WAC victory over North Dakota. He did not allow a run in eight innings of work, scattering five hits. He has not given up an earned run in his last 17 innings.

Bakersfield took two of three against North Dakota this past weekend. The Roadrunners host UC Irvine Tuesday night at Hardt Field in a non-conference game at 6 P.M. and will go on the road to Utah Valley in a WAC series this weekend in Orem., Utah.

UC Irvine defated Bakersfield 3-2 Feb. 19 in Irvine to take a 10-2 all-time series lead against the Roadrunners. The Anteaters took 2-of-3 from WAC member Grand Canyon last weekend. UC Irvine has been shutout in their last two Tuesday games (losing to #24 UCLA and Pepperdine in that span). Connor Spencer is the team leader in batting average (.325). He has reached base in 21 games this season. Lefty Evan Manarino (1-2) is Tuesday's probable starter for UC Irvine.

This is the first baseball series between Bakersfield and Utah Valley. The Wolverines took 2-of-3 from Dallas Baptist last weekend before traveling to UNLV for Tuesday night matchup. Utah Valley is 7-16 (1-2 WAC) starting the week.

Craig Brinkerhoff leads the Wolverines in hitting (.286), home runs (2), and RBI's (12). Righthanders Andrew Freter (Friday), Ryan Evans (Saturday), and Danny Beddes (Sunday) are scheduled to throw against the Roadrunners.

~www.GoRunners.com~