Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

Next Event

Matthew_Kurata_MD
Mark Duffel

Baseball Written by James Tsitakis-Cecil

`Runners Go Back on Road for Conference Series at UCSD

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – After playing three straight series against substantial competition, including perennial Big West powerhouse UC Santa Barbara, Big Ten foe Ohio State, and No. 2 ranked Stanford, the Cal State Bakersfield Baseball team is looking to continue building momentum after Monday's statement win against Pacific. The Roadrunners now go back on the road to face UC San Diego, a program that is enjoying a very successful season thus far.

This Weekend's Schedule:
  • at UC San Diego
    • Friday-Sunday, Mar. 24-26, 6:05 p.m. / 2:05 p.m. / 1:05 p.m.
`Runner Notes
  • Last time out, the `Runner offense exploded against Pacific for a 12-6 home victory, snapping CSUB's nine game losing skid. All but one player had at least one RBI, and the `Runners scored every inning but the first.
  • With Nick Salas walking three times, both AJ Miller and Jacob Gutierrez hitting triple RBI's, and James Bell enjoying a three-hit outing, the `Runners found the offensive breakthrough they had been searching for since the Manhattan series.
  • Five different players have started every possible game this season:
    • Nick Salas is an incredibly patient batter, currently No. 79 in D1 and No. 1 in the Big West with 17 walks, while also leading the team with 5 stolen bases.
    • James Bell leads the team with 2 homers, 30 total bases, 17 RBI, 6 doubles, and 18 hits with a .718 OPS to boot.
    • Kyler Stancato plays an important two-way role, sporting a .945 fielding accuracy from the outfield, batting .234 average, and pitching a team-best 1.59 ERA in relief.
    • Riley Kasper is a utility player who has contributed at multiple spots on the field this season while being second on the team with 17 hits, 4 doubles, and 3 stolen bases.
    • AJ Miller provides power at the end of his bat, tied for second on the team with 11 RBI, while providing stellar defense generally from first base with .947 fielding.
Scouting the Tritons
  • UC San Diego (12-6, 3-0 BW) is led by 12th-year Head Coach Eric Newman.
  • The Tritons are on a tear lately, picking up wins in their last seven games, including four double-digit scoring efforts in that span.
  • Second baseman Michael Fuhrman had an outstanding performance in UCSD's last series against Long Beach State, tallying 5 hits and 6 RBI during the three-game slate.
  • With eight consistent starters above a .300 BA, the Tritons are dangerous offensively, so CSUB will certainly be looking for standout games from their pitchers and defense.
  • Infielder Matt Halbach currently leads UCSD with a 1.009 OPS, 16 runs, 27 hits, and 5 triples, while still posting high numbers with a .355 BA, 5 doubles, and 15 RBI.
How to Follow the `Runners  
Season ticket plans and individual game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on GoRunners.com/Tickets or by calling 661.654.BLUE or 661.654.GOLD.
~GoRunners.com~
Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

James Bell

#19 James Bell

C/OF
6' 1"
Senior
R/R
AJ Miller

#10 AJ Miller

OF/1B
6' 2"
Senior
L/L
Nick Salas

#11 Nick Salas

INF
5' 9"
Junior
R/R
Jacob Gutierrez

#36 Jacob Gutierrez

IF
6' 3"
Freshman
R/R
Riley Kasper

#5 Riley Kasper

IF
6' 1"
Graduate Student
R/R
Kyler Stancato

#2 Kyler Stancato

OF
6' 4"
Junior
L/L

Players Mentioned

James Bell

#19 James Bell

6' 1"
Senior
R/R
C/OF
AJ Miller

#10 AJ Miller

6' 2"
Senior
L/L
OF/1B
Nick Salas

#11 Nick Salas

5' 9"
Junior
R/R
INF
Jacob Gutierrez

#36 Jacob Gutierrez

6' 3"
Freshman
R/R
IF
Riley Kasper

#5 Riley Kasper

6' 1"
Graduate Student
R/R
IF
Kyler Stancato

#2 Kyler Stancato

6' 4"
Junior
L/L
OF
California State University at Bakersfield Athletics loading logo