Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Fresno, Calif. - Fresno Pacific snapped a four-game losing streak on Friday by picking up a win against a nationally-ranked team for the second time in as many weeks. The Sunbirds (22-18, 13-13 PacWest) split a doubleheader with NCAA Division II #22-ranked Dixie State, taking the first game 6-2 before falling 7-5 in the nightcap.

Bobby Mendoza led the way for the Sunbirds going 4-for-5 with a homerun over the two games. J.D. Salles (5-4) went eight strong innings, striking out seven for the game one win.

Kris Kaplan went 5-for-7 and Kevin Kline went 5-for-8 over the two games to lead the Red Storm (27-11, 19-9 PacWest), who were coming off a series win over first-place #13 Grand Canyon.

FPU had its power on display in game one in the seventh inning while leading 3-2 as Mendoza connected on a two-run blast to right to make the score 5-2. That was just the second homerun hit by the Sunbirds at home this season. Two batters later Kaohu Gaspar blasted an opposite field shot to left for a solo homer, putting FPU ahead 6-2. The Sunbirds roughed up Dixie State ace Mike Dedrick, who entered the game at 7-1, for 11 hits and six runs.

In the second game, Ryan Castadio was hit with the loss after giving up four earned runs in four innings of work. The Sunbirds got back within 6-5 after a Matt Fox RBI double and a John Koretoff sacrifice fly but would be unable to get any closer as Josh Mooney picked up the save for the Red Storm.

The two teams meet up again tomorrow for a doubleheader beginning at 11 am.