Utah Valley defeated Cal State Bakersfield 14-4 on Apr. 3 in the series opener at Hardt Field. Nine different Utah Valley hitters drove in runs, helping the Wolverines improve their record to 13-15 while Cal State Bakersfield dropped to 12-17.
The win was marked by strong offensive production from Utah Valley, which tallied a season-high thirteen walks and saw Chipper Beck finish with three hits and three runs scored. Jimmy De Anda and Jayden Smith each contributed two runs batted in.
A five-run third inning gave Utah Valley an early advantage after Cal State Bakersfield starting pitcher Alex Navarette struggled with control, walking two batters and hitting another. Mason Strong started the scoring with an RBI single, followed by additional runs from fielding errors and a wild pitch. By the end of the inning, Utah Valley led 5-0.
Ray Hernandez made his third start of the season for Utah Valley, pitching three innings and allowing one run on five hits. Hunter Katschke extended his hitting streak to fifteen games with a double in the fourth inning and has now driven in a run in ten straight games. Relief pitcher Aaron Rice worked three innings with four strikeouts before Bradley Gilbert entered late to secure his seventh career appearance with four strikeouts over more than two innings.
Utah Valley added seven more runs across the eighth and ninth innings as Jayden Smith hit a double that drove in two runs and De Anda followed up with a sacrifice fly. Additional singles from Derek Houston and Cooper Brass increased their lead further before Katschke drew a bases-loaded walk for the final scoreline.
The series continues Friday night at Hardt Field before concluding Saturday afternoon.
