HAYWARD, Calif. - In a game the Sunbirds will want to quickly put behind them, Fresno Pacific fell 17-4 to Cal State East Bay on Thursday to begin a four-game road series against the Pioneers.

The Sunbirds (5-5) led 2-0 in the third inning and, after falling behind 4-2, came back to even the score 4-4 in the top of the fifth. The wheels came off in the bottom of the fifth however as the Pioneers chased starter Josh Medeles from the game and put up seven runs in the inning to take an 11-4 lead. FPU's bullpen surrendered six more runs the rest of the way for the 17-4 final.

Freshman Rickie Garcia, getting the start at DH, provided a bright spot for the Sunbirds by going 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and two RBI. His two-run single to left-center in the fifth tied the game at four. Nick Pate also had a multi-hit game for the Sunbirds, finishing 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Hunter Villanueva led off the game with a triple and would score on an RBI single by Preston Scott.

Chris Porter went 3-for-4 with four RBI to lead the Pioneers, who improved to 6-2 on the year.

The Sunbirds continue the series tomorrow at 2 p.m.