Preview: Cal State Bakersfield at Fresno State

FRESNO, Calif. (Interstat) — Two Central Valley rivals seeking momentum will meet Tuesday when the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners visit the Fresno State Bulldogs at Selland Arena.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening under cloudy skies with temperatures around 55 degrees.

The Roadrunners (15-20) enter having dropped three of their last four, including a 5-3, 10-inning loss at UC Davis on Friday. In that game, starter Ethan Minaker turned in a strong outing, allowing two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings with no hits allowed. Evan Cloyd provided power, going 2-for-5 with a home run and an RBI.

Minaker, a player to watch for Bakersfield, has been effective recently, posting a 0.00 ERA and allowing just four hits over his last 11 1/3 innings spanning two appearances.

Fresno State (10-22) looks to snap a four-game skid after losing three straight at Air Force, including a 10-5 defeat Sunday. Bulldogs reliever Erik Rico was a bright spot in that loss, throwing 4 1/3 scoreless, hitless innings with three strikeouts. Outfielder Cam Schneider drove in two runs.

Rico, a key arm for the Bulldogs, has not allowed an earned run in his last two appearances, covering seven innings.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Cal State Bakersfield is projected to win 5-2.

Both teams resume conference play later in the week. The Roadrunners host Hawaii for a three-game series starting Friday, while the Bulldogs open a home set against San Jose State on Friday.