BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – CSU Bakersfield used a pair of big innings and a strong outing on the mound to secure an 8-1 victory over Pacific on Monday night at Hardt Field.

The Roadrunners (14-18) broke the game open early, plating four runs in the bottom of the second inning before adding another four-spot in the fourth to take full control.

After a quiet first inning, CSUB capitalized on control issues and timely hitting in the second. Jacob May drove in the game’s first run with a sacrifice fly, and Evan Cloyd followed with an RBI single. Devon Wilkes delivered the big swing of the inning, knocking in two runs to give the ‘Runners a 4-0 lead.

CSUB struck again in the fourth inning, taking advantage of Pacific miscues and aggressive baserunning. Elgin Bennett and Adam Salazar each drove in runs, while Elijah Pelayo added an RBI as the lead grew to 8-0.

On the mound, right-hander Shane McAlinden (2-4) set the tone for the Roadrunners. The junior tossed five shutout innings, allowing just three hits while striking out five. The CSUB bullpen followed with four solid innings, combining to limit Pacific to just one run.

Offensively, Bakersfield scored eight runs on six hits, with Wilkes leading the way with two RBIs. Cloyd, Bennett, and Salazar each added an RBI, while Nick Mascaro and Kanoa Morisaki contributed doubles as part of the attack.

Pacific (10-21) threatened throughout the night, tallying eight hits and leaving nine runners on base, but couldn’t break through against the CSUB pitching staff until the ninth inning. 

The Roadrunners’ defense also played a key role, turning three double plays to keep Pacific off the scoreboard in key moments.

Bakersfield hits the road on Wednesday for a matchup at Saint Mary’s.

~ GoRunners.com ~