FRESNO, Calif. (Interstat) — A dominant five-inning start from Collin Valentine was wasted as the Fresno State Bulldogs erupted for 10 unanswered runs, overcoming a six-run deficit to defeat the Pepperdine Waves 10-6 in a nonconference baseball game Saturday at Selland Arena.

The game turned decisively in the seventh inning when Fresno State first baseman Griffen Sotomayor launched a three-run homer to deep right field, erasing Pepperdine’s lead and propelling the Bulldogs to a series-splitting victory. The comeback handed Pepperdine its fourth loss in five games this season, while Fresno State evened its record at 2-3.

For five innings, the game belonged entirely to Pepperdine starter Collin Valentine. The right-hander was flawless, allowing no hits and no earned runs while striking out one over five shutout innings. He exited with a 6-0 lead, having been staked to an early advantage by his offense.

Pepperdine capitalized on Fresno State defensive miscues to build its lead. The Waves plated two unearned runs in the second inning, sparked by a fielding error by Bulldogs shortstop Hewitt. Kai Laxa and Julian Patterson delivered run-scoring hits in the frame. Patterson added an RBI double in the sixth, extending the lead to 6-0 and chasing Fresno State starter Tyler Patrick, who allowed two earned runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings.

The complexion of the game changed entirely after Valentine’s departure. The Bulldogs broke through in the sixth against the Pepperdine bullpen. Pinch-hitter Michael Boyd lined a two-run single, and Mikey Pickett followed with another two-run single, cutting the deficit to 6-4.

The most critical sequence came in the bottom of the seventh. After two walks, Sotomayor connected for his three-run blast off reliever Plisinski, giving Fresno State its first lead at 7-6. The inning continued to unravel for Pepperdine, as an error by shortstop Nunez allowed another run to score, making it 8-6.

Pepperdine showed a final spark in the eighth. Laxa, who finished 3 for 4 with two RBIs, doubled home a run, and Zach Woodson followed with a two-run homer off reliever Douglas Crystal to tie the game at 8-8.

Fresno State immediately responded in its half of the eighth. Connor Ruby led off with a double and scored on an infield single and throwing error by Patterson. After advancing on a groundout, Faust scored on a wild pitch to provide the final 10-6 margin.

Bulldogs reliever Douglas Crystal earned the win with two innings of work, allowing one earned run on one hit. William PageAllen and Kam Croghan recorded key outs for their respective teams. Pepperdine used seven pitchers after Valentine, who was not involved in the decision.

The result defied the pregame projections from Interstat, which gave Fresno State a 73.9 percent probability to win and projected a 4-1 final score.

The two teams will conclude their three-game series Sunday at Selland Arena. Pepperdine will look to salvage the series before returning home, while Fresno State aims for a series win ahead of a road trip to Stanford next weekend.