GRAND FORKS, N.D.—In a game marked by snow showers and extremely cold temperatures, CSU Bakersfield defeated the University of North Dakota 12-1 Thursday afternoon.

"Today was a good team effort in extremely difficult circumstances with the weather," said CSUB head coach Bill Kernen. "I am proud of the way we played and performed under those cirumstances."

David Metzgar's (So., Lancaster, Calif., Paraclete HS) safety squeeze in the top of the third plated Jordie Hein (Sr., Scottsdale, Ariz., Chapparal HS).  The teams played through a band of snow showers through the first three innings but play was suspended as UND was warming up prior to the start of the CSUB fourth inning. The delay lasted a little over two hours. When the game resumed at 4:25 p.m. (CDT), the weather was clear, but the temperature was 29 degrees. With the winds gusting up to 25 mph, the wind chill was 14.

Hein doubled with two outs in the top of the fourth to drive in Max Carter (So., Bakersfield, Calif., Stockdale HS) and Chance Gusbeth (Jr., Lancaster, Calif., Desert Christian HS). With the wind blowing heavily out to left, Daniel Lockhert took advantage and homered to open the North Dakota fourth.

Ryan Grotjohn's (So., Cave Creek, Ariz., Brophy College Prep) RBI double in the top of the fifth returned the Roadrunner lead to three. Grotjohn scored on an error after stealing third before Gusbeth smacked his second home run of the year, a two-run blast, for a 7-1 CSUB lead.  The Roadrunners scored three times in the top of the sixth. Hein picked up his third RBI with a sacrifice fly in the seventh as CSUB scored twice to invoke the WAC mercy rule.

Hayden Carter (Sr., San Diego, Calif., Vista HS) started for CSUB. He gave up four hits and struck out three in the first three innings. After the weather delay, Steven Gee (So., Taft, Calif., Taft Union HS) took over for Carter in the fourth. Gee was credited with the victory after allowing two hits and striking out three in four innings of work.

Hein was 3-for-4 and two runs scored. Gusbeth went 3-for-3 with three runs scored. Grotjohn was 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI's.

CSUB (15-14-1, 3-3-1 WAC) and North Dakota (8-14, 3-4 WAC) continue the series on Friday with a 1 p.m. (CDT).  The Roadrunners return home Apr. 10 to open a three-game set against Texas-Pan American. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. Tickets are available at Vallitix.com.

~GoRunners.com~