BAKERSFIELD, Calif.-- The Roadrunners began a  ten-game home stand with a doubleheader against Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday. Bakersfield lost the first game but rallied for a tie in a wild Game 2.

Game 1

The 'Runners opened the doubleheader with a loss to the Titans by a score of 6-2.

Cal State Fullerton got on the board in the top of the first inning to take a 1-0 lead over Bakersfield. Missy Taukeiaho led off the inning with a double down the left field line. Eliza Crawfrod's RBI single plated the run to give the Titans an early lead.

Bakersfield responded with a run of its own in the bottom half of the first to make the game a 1-1 tie. After a stolen base, Jessica Castaneda's (So., Bakersfield, Calif., Ridgeview HS) single to right field had just enough for Sydney Raeber (So., Hanford, Calif., Hanford HS) to round third and slide under the catcher's tag for a run.

The Titans scored an unearned run in the top of the third to take a 2-1 lead over the 'Runners. Taukeiaho would send a two-run shot over the left field wall for her 10th home run of the season. The blast gave CSF a 4-1 lead after three and a half innings.

Fullerton's starting pitcher, Jasmine Auntunez, settled down, retiring six straight 'Runners after the first inning. The Titans offense backed Auntunez up by loading the bases with no outs in the top of the sixth with their leading hitter, Taukeiaho, coming to bat. After an RBI walk, Cal State Fullerton plated one more run to take a 6-1 lead into the bottom of the sixth inning.

Bakersfield got one run back in the bottom of the sixth thanks to Kara Frankhouser (Sr., Bakersfield, Calif., Bakersfield College) who bashed a pinch hit RBI double. Although the run cut the score to 6-2, the 'Runners were unable to mount a comeback and fell by the same score.

Castaneda finished the game going two for two with two walks and an RBI. Madison Bundy (Jr., Anacortes, Wash., Oregon State) and Raeber each added two hits as well. Taukeiaho ended the game going 2-4 with three RBI for the Titans.

Game 2

Game 2 turned into a wild marathon as the 'Runners came from behind and eventually registered a 10-10 tie against the Titans.

Cal State Fullerton opened the game with a bang as Eliza Crawford sent a three-run home run over the centerfield wall. Another run later in the inning would give the Titans a 4-0 lead through the top of the first, but Bakersfield answered back in the bottom of the second for one run. The run came thanks to Ashley Carter's (Sr., Tehachapi, Calif., Tehachapi HS) RBI single and made the score 4-1.

The Titans answered right back with three runs in the top of the third as Lauren Mario's two-run  homer played a big part in lifting the Titans to a 7-1 lead. In the bottom of the fourth, Ricciardi started a rally for the 'Runners with her leadoff double to the right center gap. Amber Mills' (So., Fresno, Calif., Clovis West HS) first collegiate home run brought the deficit to four as the 'Runners trailed 7-3.

The threat would not end there as the next three batters reached safely thanks to a bunt single and two hit batters. With bases loaded and no outs, the 'Runners went on to battle through a tough inning, plating a total of seven runs. Ricciardi contributed to the damage with another double that was good for two RBI double as Bakersfield took an 8-7 lead.

Fullerton regained the lead with three runs in the top of the sixth. Trailing 10-8, the 'Runners threatened again with bases loaded and no outs. Taukeiaho recorded an out before giving up a sacrifice fly, making the score 10-9. Carter loaded the bases again with a single, then Karsyn Guzman (Fr., Hanford, Calif., Hanford HS) drew an RBI walk to tie the score at 10-10.

Although play would continue into extra innings and the Titans would gain a two-run lead, play was terminated on account of darkness. Since the game was called in the top half of the eighth and Bakersfield did not have a chance to bat in the inning, the score was reverted to 10-10 and the game officially ended in a tie.

Ricciardi ended the second game with two hits and two RBI while Carter added two hits and one RBI. Depite getting roughed up as the starting pitcher, Mills went one for two at the plate with a home run, a walk, and three RBI. Castaneda finished the day going 3-4 with four walks and three RBI.

"In the second game, we came out and just kept going after it," said Bakersfield's Head Coach Crissy Buck-Ziegler. "The team finally understood that it doesn't matter how you do it; you have to do it collectively."

Bakersfield will continue its home stand and begin WAC play with a three-game series this weekend against Utah Valley.

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