FRESNO, Calif. – The Diamond 'Dogs made a statement with their explosive offense in a 17-8 victory over Valley rivals CSU Bakersfield on Tuesday night on the road.
Fresno State's overall record improves to 9-11 as they go into the second week of conference play in 2025.
HOW IT HAPPENED
CSU Bakersfield struck early, capitalizing on a slow start for Fresno State pitcher Hayden Crews, who allowed four runs in the opening frame.
The Diamond 'Dogs sparked their comeback in the second inning, plating two runs to cut the deficit in half, and another in the third to make it a 4-3 game.
The middle innings were a back-and-forth battle, with the Roadrunners adding single runs in the fourth and fifth innings to maintain their lead. The Bulldogs, however, responded with a two-run burst in the fifth fueled by Justin Stransky's first home run of the night, leveling the score
Sky Collins gave the Bulldogs another offensive push in the sixth inning with a solo home run to left field to open the inning.
Fresno State exploded for four runs in the eighth, thanks to hits from Bobby Blandford and Collins, who combined for five RBIs.
The ninth inning sealed the deal as the Bulldogs poured on seven runs, putting the game out of reach for the Roadrunners. The Fresno State bullpen, led by Drew Townson and JT Guerrero, stabilized the game after the shaky start, combining for five scoreless innings before Guerrero closed it out.
NOTES:
Justin Stransky powered the Diamond 'Dogs offensively, delivering a four-hit performance that included two home runs and four RBIs.
Murf Gray contributed with three hits, driving in two runs.
Jett Ruby hit the first home run of his Bulldog career.
This is the second game this season where the same person hit two home runs on the Bulldog roster.
UP NEXT
Fresno State is headed to Las Vegas for its first road Mountain West series with a three-game series against UNLV on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.