BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - After leading 3-1 through the fifth inning, Oakland was overtaken in the seventh to eventually fall 5-4 to CSU Bakersfield on opening night. The teams will meet again tonight for a rematch at 9:05 p.m. EST. 

Senior pitcher Bryce Konitzer had a strong game, throwing in 5.2 innings while allowing only one earned run. Transfer Christian Stelling came in for relief in the sixth inning, facing seven batters and allowing two earned runs and four runs before Brandon Decker took over for 1.2 innings, only giving up one hit and striking out four. 

Despite being outhit 12-3, Oakland managed to get four runs to keep the game close. After a scoreless first and second inning, CSU got on the board to take a 1-0 advantage in the third inning. 

The fifth inning saw some good action from the Golden Grizzlies as Ian Cleary evened out the game after he scored on a throwing error. Kevin Krill added a run for the team in his collegiate debut, followed by Seth Tucker, who scored off a wild pitch. Cam Post added a final run for Oakland in the sixth inning before CSU tallied four runs to take the lead. 

Newcomer Chas Sagedahl will pitch for the Golden Grizzlies tonight.