MESA, Ariz. - CSU Bakersfield forced Northern Colorado to cycle through seven pitchers as the 'Runners kept their tournament hopes alive in an elimination game, defeating the Bears, 11-6, on Thursday afternoon at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz.
After the Bears scored a run in the top of the first, the Runners chased UNC starter Connor Leedholm after just one-third inning en route to three runs and the early lead. Northern Colorado tied it back up in the third but CSUB scored again in the bottom of the fourth to take back the lead and the 'Runners never looked back, using a four-spot in the fifth to build the final lead of the ballgame.
David Metzgar went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored and Chance Gusbeth had four RBIs on 2-of-4 hitting to lead the Runner offense. Isaiah Moten picked up the win, striking out six over six inning pitched. Justin Mulvaney took the loss for Northern Colorado.
CSU Bakersield advances to the 11 a.m. game on Friday morning. Northern Colorado ends its season with a record of 16-34.