In a fast paced pitching duel lasting just over two hours, Moorpark College struck first for four runs in the seventh inning and held on in the eighth to defeat Bakersfield College 4-2 at Raider Stadium Thursday afternoon.

Starting pitcher, freshman Jake Eaton, went five complete innings, and reliever Tyler Patton pitched into the eighth and picked up the win, despite putting runners on base that brought home two Renegade runs in the inning.

“I struggled a little bit in the first few innings, but in the third, I started to figure out my curve ball,” Eaton said. “I was able to throw it for strikes, and I could locate my fastball. Next time, I’ve got to get ahead of hitters and have a better outing.”

Bakersfield’s starter, Allan Winans, pitched shutout baseball for six plus innings, but gave up four Raider runs in the seventh for the loss.

With one out in the bottom of the seventh, and two runners aboard, freshman Garrett Keeber’s double drove them home for two Raiders runs. Almost immediately after, Terrell Tate’s triple drove Keeber home for the third run, and Riley Conlan’s fly ball to left center brought Tate home for Moorpark’s final run.

The Renegades responded immediately in the top of the eighth. With the bases loaded and one out and Chad Gubiza on in relief for the Raiders, pinch hitter Luis Martinez promptly doubled to produce two runs that were charged to Patton. However, Gubiza got the next two batters on a strikeout and a groundout to limit the damage.

“Jake Eaton had three innings where it was kind of ugly, and then his last two innings were really good,” Head Coach Mario Porto said. “That set a good tone. Then Tyler came in and did his thing. When you bring in Gubiza; okay they scored a couple of runs. The key thing is, he came back out and got the last three outs.”

In the ninth, after hitting the leadoff hitter, Gubiza got the next three batters on fly balls to earn a save, and a well deserved win for the Raiders.

“I thought the return of baseball[to Moorpark was great,” Eaton said. “It gives students and players the opportunity to play, and for us to form a good team.”

The Raiders record is now 6-2. Moorpark’s next home game at Raider Stadium is against Santa Barbara College on Feb. 17 at 2 p.m.