PORTLAND, Ore.--The University of Portland defeated Bakersfield 5-1 to open the three-game series Friday afternoon on the campus of Concordia University.

The Roadrunners (6-7) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth on a Chance Gusbeth (So., Lancaster, Calif., Desert Christian HS) RBI single. Caleb Whalen's two-RBI double in the bottom of the fifth keyed a three-run Pilots' (3-10) rally. Cody Lenahan hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth.

CSUB threatened in the eight putting runners on first and second with one out, but a double play quieted the 'Runner rally. Portland pitcher Aaron Kelley limited the Roadrunners to five hits. Michael Lucarelli led the Pilots as he went 3-for-4 with two runs scored.

The series concludes Saturday back on the Portland campus with a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m.

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