STOCKTON, Calif. – The Tigers beat CSU Bakersfield 3-2 in game two of the series thanks to an eighth-inning comeback sparked by a
Jeremy Lea triple.
Jarron Silva led the Tigers with three hits. Silva,
Caden Duke and
James McClenaghan drove in runs for the Tigers.
Chaz Myers had two hits, both of which were doubles.
The pitching shined for the Tigers, with starter
Hunter Hayes throwing 5.2 innings, allowing only two runs and striking out nine. The three relief pitchers for the Tigers allowed no runs and only two hits in the final 3.1 innings.
Tyler Stout was credited with the win, and
Hunter Schilperoort recorded his second save of the season.
The game was a pitcher's duel throughout. CSU Bakersfield used two first-inning doubles to take an early lead. As was the case for most of the game, the Tigers had two runners on in the bottom of the first but could not score.
"Hats off to the pitching," said Head Coach
Chris Rodriguez. "(Hunter) Hayes did a wonderful job today. Absolutely pounded the strike zone, kept us in there. The bullpen came in and allowed us to have that opportunity."
It was all zeros for both teams until the sixth inning as both starters were pitching well. The Roadrunners got another run in the sixth as Hayes was pulled in favor of
Jackson Vaughan. The Tigers had two runners on in the bottom of the sixth but could not find a big hit to bring the runner home.
The eighth inning was significant for the Tigers. After Lea's leadoff triple, Silva dropped a bunt single to bring home Lea and get the Tigers on the board. Duke followed that up with a double to bring Silva home and tie the game. A passed ball allowed
Chase Graves, who pinch ran for Duke, to reach third base. McClenaghan drove a ball to right field to bring home Graves and give the Tigers the lead.
For game three, the Tigers are back in action against the Roadrunners tomorrow afternoon. The first pitch will be at 1:00 p.m.
