BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—A six-run seventh inning proved to be the difference for CSU Bakersfield as the Roadrunners defeated UC Riverside 8-2 Sunday afternoon.

Trailing 2-1 entering the seventh, CSUB batted around, with a two-RBI single from freshman Jake Ortega highlighting the rally. A Christian Deaton double in the eighth added the 'Runner total. CSUB starter AJ Monarrez scattered six hits over the first seven innings before giving way to Chance Gusbeth in the eighth.

The Highlanders threatened in the top of the ninth, loading the bases with no outs. Gusbeth struck out Cameron Haskell before getting Michael Farris pop out to third which was ruled an infield fly. Vince Fernandez would pop out to third for the final out of the game.

“Give UCR credit, they battled,” said CSUB head coach Bob Macaluso. “With an 8-2 lead, it shouldn't have been that hard, but Chance battled through it and they didn't score. They had the bases loaded and no outs, but he got out of it.”

Deaton, a sophomore from Bakersfield, posted a career high three hits (3-for-4) as he batted leadoff for the first time this season. He also scored a career high two runs and posted an RBI in a game for the sixth time in his career.  

“I've always liked Deaton because he doesn't chase pitches out of the strike zone,” Macaluso said. “His problem has been that he has been too patient. He has been starting to swing the bat when he has the opportunities and now you can see the results.”

David Metzgar had two hits while Fernandez ended the day by going 3-for-5. Colby Schultz was 2-for-4 for UC Riverside (7-10). The Roadrunner victory broke an eight-game losing streak, which had tied the school record (2012) for most consecutive losses in a season coming into Sunday's action.

CSUB (5-10) hosts Oklahoma this week in a four-game series beginning Thursday night at 6 p.m. Tickets are available through the CSUB Ticket Office at (661) 654-BLUE or tickets@csub.edu, or online at Vallitix.com.

“It is going to be exciting to have Oklahoma come in,” Macaluso said. “We need to be on top of our game, they have one of the top collegiate pitching prospects in the country at the top of their starting rotation. They are a talented club. If we play the way we are capable of playing, we can win.”

~www.GoRunners.com~