RIVERSIDE--- The California Baptist Lancers opened their weekend showing against UC Riverside on Thursday evening in the 2024 Crosstown Showdown at home. CBU ultimately fell to their crosstown rivals 3-0, notching four hits compared to UCR's nine.

The Highlanders got right to work in the first inning and found their way across home plate with a sacrifice grounder that allowed Anthony Mata to score. UCR would add to their lead in the top of the second with a home run and an RBI double that pushed their lead to 3-0, sealing their victory. The Lancer found pockets of offense throughout the evening but were unable to string together any dangerous offensive opportunities. 

Mitchel Simon led the squad with a pair of doubles for most hits on the night, while both Gunner Antillon and Matthew Darr snagged a single hit. Brandon Downer started on the mound for the Lancers for the first time this season and threw six innings of action, picking up a pair of strikeouts on the way.

The Lancers will head to the Riverside Sports Complex tomorrow at 6 p.m. for the second installment of the Crosstown Showdown.