BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Utah Valley University dropped the opening game of a four-game weekend series, 10-2, to CSU Bakersfield on Friday night at Hardt Field in Bakersfield, California.
Devin Smith threw a career-high 6.1 innings in relief and did not allow an earned run as he shined on the mound for the Wolverines (6-15). UVU's offense struggled on the night, as
Mick Madsen provided the lone hit in the contest. An early offensive attack helped propel UVU's former WAC foe CSU Bakersfield (9-11) to the victory.
Angel Saldivar provided a two-run single in a four-run first inning to help CSUB jump out to an early 4-0 nothing lead.
The Roadrunners added two more unearned runs in the third inning to go up 6-0. UVU right-hander Smith was solid for the Wolverines in the middle innings, as he went a career-high 6.1 innings giving up seven scattered hits without allowing an earned run to go along with a team-high five strikeouts.
CSUB starter Benji Caggianelli was tough on UVU hitters in the contest, only allowing one hit over 6.0 innings. The best chance for UVU came in the fifth, as
Trey Cutchen got the inning started with a leadoff walk. Madsen followed with a sharp base hit to right for the Wolverines' first hit.
Copper Hansen reached on a walk to load the bases. UVU scored its two runs on the night on a high infield pop-up from
Brandon Luna that was dropped at third base to score Cutchen and Madsen.
The Roadrunners added four runs in the late innings to hold on to a 10-2 victory. Caggianelli (2-1) picked up the win while UVU starter
Cameron Scudder (0-2) took the loss.
Andrew Allanson went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs to lead the Roadrunners offensively. Madsen led Utah Valley by going 1-for-2 with a run scored and a walk.
The Wolverines and Roadrunners will play two on Saturday with 3 p.m. MT/ 2 p.m. PT and 6 p.m. MT/5 p.m. PT starts before wrapping up the non-conference series on Sunday at 1 p.m. MT/Noon PT. UVU will then return to the Beehive State for the first of three season meetings against in-state rival Utah on Tuesday, March 29 at 6:00 p.m. at Smith's Ballpark in Salt Lake City.
