OREM, UT--- A four-hour slugfest in Orem on Friday night went the Utah Valley Wolverines way after the California Baptist baseball program dropped the opening game of the Western Athletic Conference series 18-14. Despite an 11-run third inning, UVU would string together several hot innings to secure the win, dropping CBU to 22-20 on the season and 5-8 WAC play.

Pitching woes struck again for the California Baptist squad and unfortunately marred a very productive offense game for the Lancers. CBU dropped 15 hits on the Wolverines and drew nine free passes to put 14 runs on the board, but the Lancer bullpen was unable to get themselves out of several precarious situations and dished 19 free passes to UVU. Nicholas Dumesnil and Jake Brown shined in Orem after the pair went four-for-six at the plate, but Andrew Walters stole the show with a pinch-hit grand slam in the third to give CBU a significant lead that they would ultimately give up.

The home squad also faced pitching struggles of their own and used five pitchers on the mound during the Friday night game, compared to CBU's seven. The bullpen game for both sides will make for an interesting rest of the series, as the Lancers will be on the hunt to even the series tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m. PST.