Utah Valley defeated Cal State Bakersfield 5-4 on April 3 at Hardt Field, with Hunter Katschke delivering a key three-run home run to secure the win. Katschke went two for four and extended his streak of games with an RBI to eleven. The victory improved Utah Valley’s record to 15-14, while CSU Bakersfield dropped to 12-18.
The game was significant as it marked a series win for Utah Valley and showcased both timely hitting and strong defensive plays by the Wolverines. Katschke’s performance in the fifth inning broke open a close contest, giving Utah Valley a crucial advantage.
George Albrecht started for Utah Valley and pitched a career-high three and two-thirds innings, continuing his recent stretch of longer outings. Jimmy De Anda led off the third inning with the first hit of the game, eventually scoring after an error allowed him to reach third base. Kaden Carpenter drove in De Anda with an infield single for the game’s opening run.
In the fifth inning, after De Anda walked and DJ Massey reached on another error, Katschke hit his home run over center field on a one-ball count, pushing Utah Valley ahead 4-1. Jacob Beltran earned his first win of the season by recording one out in relief before Cooper Littledike entered to pitch through trouble in the sixth inning.
Utah Valley added another run in the seventh when Massey was hit by a pitch and later scored on Mason Strong’s sacrifice fly. Defensive highlights included Jayden Smith making a diving catch to prevent CSU Bakersfield from tying the game in the eighth inning. In the ninth, Derek Houston threw out a runner attempting to advance before Maddax Peck struck out Elijah Pelayo for his second save of the year.
Utah Valley will attempt its first sweep of this season as they finish their series against CSU Bakersfield on Saturday afternoon. Fans can follow live stats at Gorunners.com since no broadcast is scheduled.
