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Arthur Smith

Baseball Written by James Tsitakis-Cecil

`Runner Baseball Prepares to Host Four Home Games

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The Cal State Bakersfield baseball team prepares for another four-game week as the Roadrunners begin to truly dig into their conference slate. The `Runners first host Pepperdine searching for their first all-time win against the Waves before also hosting their third conference opponent for a three-game weekend series against UC Davis.

This Weekend's Schedule:
  • vs Pepperdine
    • Tuesday, Mar. 28, 6:05 p.m.
  • vs UC Davis
    • Friday-Sunday, Mar. 31-Apr. 2, 6:05 p.m. / 6:05 p.m. / 1:05 p.m.
`Runner Notes
  • After making a good impression as a freshman in 2022, Matthew Kurata is stepping up to the plate with a renewed, growing role in the starting lineup. Kurata is currently hitting .429 after a successful last five games where he went 9-of-20 with three RBI and five runs.
  • On the pitching side, Matt Comnos has been putting in work for the `Runners. Despite not getting the desired run support against UC San Diego, Comnos pitched six innings while allowing just three hits, striking out four in the process. He carries a 3.56 ERA on the season.
  • CSUB has faced tough opposition recently, taking on teams like defending Big West Champion UC Santa Barbara, Ohio State, and No. 2 Stanford. With four straight upcoming series against conference opponents, the `Runners have a good opportunity to get some much-needed wins and swing momentum back in their favor in this mid-season stretch.
Scouting the Waves
  • Pepperdine (6-15, 1-5 WCC) is led by eighth-year head coach Rick Hirtensteiner.
  • The Waves have not experienced much better results than CSUB in recent weeks, with a 4-11 record through March, but they recently played conference opponents Gonzaga close in a three-game series.
  • Bakersfield has not beat Pepperdine yet in the all-time series. Last season, the two foes played in a pair of one-game series that Pepperdine won 10-9 and 7-2 respectively.
  • Senior infielder Ryan Johnson and freshman first baseman Jack Basseer are currently leading the Waves offense, both batting above .300, while senior lefty Shan Telfer holds a 2.38 ERA and 3-0 record in the rotation.
Scouting the Aggies
  • UC Davis (6-13, 1-5 BW) is led by second-year head coach Tommy Nicholson.
  • With a tough start to conference play, UC Davis is also in a vulnerable position for CSUB to take advantage of. The Aggies were only able to win one of their last five conference games, which was a narrow 6-5 win over CSUN in the first leg of a doubleheader.
  • CSUB has generally succeeded against UC Davis in the all-time series, leading the Aggies 13-9 after taking last year's series 2-1. In those three games, the teams were only separated by a total of five combined runs between all results.
  • With only one consistent starting hitter at above a .300 BA, the Aggies offense has not been the focal point this season. However, four of their bullpen pitchers are under a 4.00 ERA.
  • Sophomore southpaw starting pitcher Bryan Green began the season on fire but has cooled off a bit lately after tough results in conference play. He is currently 4-1 with 32 SO and a 3.74 ERA.
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~
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Players Mentioned

Matt Comnos

#29 Matt Comnos

LHP
6' 1"
Senior
L/L
Matthew Kurata

#8 Matthew Kurata

IF
5' 10"
Sophomore
R/R

Players Mentioned

Matt Comnos

#29 Matt Comnos

6' 1"
Senior
L/L
LHP
Matthew Kurata

#8 Matthew Kurata

5' 10"
Sophomore
R/R
IF
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