BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Interstat) — Mikiah Negrete delivered a dominant six-inning start, and the Cal State Fullerton Titans capitalized on late mistakes to defeat the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners 5-3 in a Big West Conference opener Friday night at Hardt Field.

Negrete, the Titans’ top star, earned the win despite an unusual line. The right-hander allowed two earned runs but did not surrender a hit, walking four and striking out eight over six frames. Both Bakersfield runs scored via a first-inning double play and a third-inning groundout, as Negrete repeatedly worked out of jams created by walks and Roadrunner small-ball.

The most important part of the game came in the top of the eighth inning, which broke open a tight contest. Leading 3-2, the Titans added two critical insurance runs without the benefit of a hard-hit ball. After two strikeouts, Trey Thomas was hit by a pitch. Cameron Kim then drove him in with a double to left-center, and Kim came all the way around to score himself when the left fielder mishandled the ball for an error. Kim later scored on a throwing error by the third baseman, stretching the lead to 5-2.

That cushion proved vital in the bottom of the ninth. After Andrew Wright struck out three over two hitless innings of relief, the Roadrunners mounted a final threat in the ninth against closer Chris Hernandez. A walk, a stolen base, and a single put runners at the corners with one out. After a strikeout, a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases. Pinch-hitter Cole Jorissen grounded out to shortstop to drive in a run, but Hernandez induced a game-ending groundout to first from Dylan Wilkes to strand the tying runs.

The victory improved Fullerton’s record to 5-8 overall and 1-0 in the Big West, while Bakersfield fell to 5-9 and 0-1. The result defied the Interstat game simulator, which had projected a 4-2 Roadrunner victory, though it aligned with the service’s ELO rating, which gave the Titans a 69.6% win probability.

Offensively, Kim led Fullerton with three hits, including two doubles, and an RBI. Designated hitter Paul Contreras and center fielder Cam Burdick each added solo home runs. Burdick’s came in the ninth off reliever Saul Bolivar.

Bakersfield out-hit Fullerton 12-8 but went 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base. Leadoff hitter Kobe Pelayo had three of the Roadrunners’ hits. Starter Ryan King was effective in a no-decision, allowing one earned run on three hits with eight strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings.

The Titans’ bullpen trio of Hernandez, Wright, and Hernandez combined for three innings of scoreless, hitless relief, allowing just one walk and striking out four to seal the win.

The three-game series continues Saturday at Hardt Field.