MESA, Ariz.—A patient CSU Bakersfield batting approach helped the Roadrunners stay alive in the Western Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament as the Roadrunners defeated Northern Colorado 11-6 Thursday afternoon.

The 'Runners (19-36) walked 11 times, marking the seventh time in school history that CSUB has walked at least 10 times in a game in school history. It was the second time in less than a week that the Roadrunners were one away from tying the school record of 12 which was set May 23, 2013 against Sacramento State. CSUB was hit by four pitches. The Roadrunners tied the school record (Apr. 30, 2016 v Utah Valley) by stealing six bases.

The Roadrunners fell behind 1-0 in the top of the first before scoring three in the bottom of the inning. The Bears tied the game with two in the third before David Metzgar's RBI single proved to be the game winning run. The 'Runners would add four in the fifth before allowing two in the top of the sixth. CSUB scored three in seventh. UNC scored once in the top of the ninth and loaded the bases before Mahlik Jones, CSUB's fourth pitcher of the day, struck Jacob Ek out looking to end the game.

Metzgar went 2-for-3 with two three RBI's. Chance Gusbeth was 2-for-4 with four RBI's. Jake Ortega went 2-for-5 with two runs scored. Dustin Frailey was officially 1-for-2, but he reached base five times. Frailey walked twice and was hit by a pitch twice. Frailey added two stolen bases and two runs scored.

Freshman Isaiah Moten earned the victory for the Roadrunners. He struck out a season high six batters in six innings. The four CSUB hurlers (Moten, Garrett Nimmo, Matthew Franco, and Jones) would combine to strike out 11 Bears.

UNC (16-34) used seven pitchers with Justin Mulvaney taking the loss. Mulvaney gave up three runs in two innings of work. Dean Lawson posted a game high three hits (3-for-5) as the Bears outhit the 'Runners 10-8.

The Roadrunners remain alive in the WAC Tournament and will play again on Friday morning at 11 a.m. against the second seed, NM State. The Aggies, who had a first round bye, lost to the No. 3 seed, Utah Valley 3-2 on Thursday night.

~www.GoRunners.com~