IRVINE, Calif. — Bakersfield baseball opened its weekend series at UC Irvine with a complete performance Friday night, defeating the Anteaters 4-0 at Anteater Ballpark.

The Roadrunners improved to 23-31 overall and 11-18 in Big West play behind a stellar outing from starting pitcher Ryan King and timely offense early in the game.

CSUB struck first in the opening inning when Brendan Thompson brought home Taison Miller with an RBI sacrifice bunt to give the `Runners a 1-0 lead.

The offense broke the game open in the fifth inning, capitalizing on UC Irvine miscues and clutch hitting. Devon Wilkes delivered an RBI single while CSU Bakersfield plated three runs in the frame to extend the advantage to 4-0.

That was more than enough support for King, who turned in one of his strongest performances of the season. The right-hander tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing five hits while striking out five on 105 pitches to earn his fourth win of the year.

Jacob Gutierrez closed out the final two innings, surrendering no hits and striking out two to secure the shutout.

Miller paced the offense with two hits and a stolen base, while Wilkes added the lone RBI hit for the `Runners. Dusty Vela also recorded a hit and scored a run.

UC Irvine threatened multiple times throughout the evening, leaving eight runners on base, but CSU Bakersfield’s pitching staff consistently worked out of trouble. The `Runners also turned a double play defensively and committed no errors.

Finnegan Wall took the loss for the Anteaters after allowing four runs — two earned — over 4.2 innings.

CSU Bakersfield and UC Irvine continue the series Saturday afternoon at Anteater Ballpark.