RIVERSIDE, Calif. – CSU Bakersfield (18-25) used a dominant fourth inning and strong pitching to shut out UC Riverside (14-27), 10-0, on Saturday afternoon at The Plex.

The Roadrunners broke things open with a five-run fourth inning and never looked back, collecting 16 hits in the win while holding the Highlanders to just six.

After scoring the game’s first run in the second inning on an RBI single from Elijah Pelayo, Bakersfield erupted in the fourth. The inning was highlighted by RBI hits from Devon Wilkes, Carter Jorissen, and Jacob May, along with aggressive baserunning that included a double steal that brought home a run. By the end of the frame, CSUB had built a 6-0 advantage.

The ‘Runners added two more runs in the sixth, as May delivered another RBI single and Nick Mascaro drove in a run with a sacrifice. Bakersfield continued to apply pressure late, plating one run in the eighth on an RBI single from Dusty Vela, and another in the ninth to cap the scoring.

May led the offensive effort, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Pelayo added three hits and two RBIs. Elgin Bennett contributed a two-hit, two-run performance, and multiple Roadrunners recorded multi-hit games in the 16-hit attack.

On the mound, Ethan Minaker (1-2) earned the win with six shutout innings, allowing just three hits while striking out three. Saul Bolivar closed out the game with three scoreless innings to secure the shutout and his first save of the season.

UC Riverside starter Ryan Higgins (1-6) took the loss after allowing one run over two innings, while the Highlanders’ bullpen surrendered nine runs the rest of the way.

The Roadrunners’ pitching staff combined to keep UC Riverside off the scoreboard, stranding six runners and limiting scoring opportunities throughout the afternoon.

Bakersfield will look to carry the momentum into the remainder of the series against the Highlanders.