BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The CSU Bakersfield softball team recorded nine hits, but left 10 Roadrunners on base in a losing effort against Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday. Senior Sydney Raeber and junior Josie Flores led the way with a pair of hits each, but the 'Runners fell 8-2 at the Roadrunner Softball Complex.

“It was nice to finally have a home game, especially with the new backstop and the new facelift,” said Crissy Buck-Ziegler, Head Coach of the 'Runners, after playing the home opener. “We have to come out and keep playing better. We have to execute with runners in scoring position.”

CSUB's bats showed up against a talented Cal State Fullerton team, which shutout a ranked Fresno State squad the day before, but not in the clutch as the 'Runners went 3-of-14 with runners in scoring position. In the bottom of the first inning, Bakersfield loaded the bases with only one out. A pair of balls lifted in the air kept CSUB from scoring and stranded all three 'Runners.

In the top of the second, the Titans loaded the bases with one out as well. A two-out single by Delynn Rippy drove in a pair of runs to give Cal State Fullerton an early 2-0 advantage. A double by Samantha Vandiver drove in a third run, but centerfielder Sydney Raeber tracked down a deep fly ball and caught it while hitting the fence to keep the CSF lead to just three runs.

In the bottom of the second, the 'Runners put two in scoring position, but could not capitalize. CSUB put its first run on the board in the bottom of the third. After a bunt single put Raeber on first, Briana Pontecorvo hit a single to left field. Coach Buck-Ziegler trusted Raeber's speed and sent the senior home. The centerfielder beat the throw home to pull CSUB within two runs.

In the top of the fourth, Alexis Gonzalez capped a four-run inning with her fifth home run of the year. The designated player gave the Titans a 7-1 lead with the blast to left field. Cal State Fullerton tacked on another run in the top of the sixth to extend its lead to 8-1.

In the bottom of the sixth freshman Chris Hipa led off with a double that hit the bottom of the left field fence. After moving to third on Jo Larios' single, Hipa scored on a chopper to second by Selena Gonzalez. Larios reached third on the play, but was stranded at third as the 'Runners settled for an 8-2 score.

The Titans' Jasmine Antunez came in and pitched the final four innings, earning the victory on Tuesday to improve Cal State Fullerton's record to 25-9. Senior Amber Mills took the loss for CSUB, which fell to 6-17 on the season.

Raeber went 2-for-4 at the plate while Flores, who started in left field on Tuesday, was 2-for-3 with a pair of singles. Senior Briana Pontecorvo and Gonzalez drove in the two runs for the 'Runners.

The Roadrunners will hit the road on Thursday for five games this weekend. CSUB will play against three teams at UC Santa Barbara's Gaucho Classic II from Mar. 24-26.

~GoRunners.com~