HAYWARD, Calif. - The California State University San Bernardino baseball team defeated Cal State East Bay 8-6 to open their four-game series Friday afternoon at the Pioneer Baseball Field.

With the win, the Coyotes improve to 20-7 overall on the season and 12-5 in CCAA play.

Cal State East Bay scored the only run in the first three innings of the contest, plating a single run in the bottom of the second inning. 

CSUSB struck back in the top of the fourth inning, scoring four times to take a 4-1 lead. Senior Jason Shedlock (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) drove in CSUSB's first run on a fielder's choice, followed by a sacrifice fly from Wyatt Hall (Port Angeles, Wash.) to give the Yotes the lead at 2-1. Graduate student Daryl Ruiz (Corona, Calif.) capped the inning with a two-run double, giving the visitors a three-run advantage.

The Yotes took a commanding lead by scoring three more runs in the top of the sixth. The first Coyote run came on an East Bay throwing error, before a two-run double to left from junior Dom Dominguez (Victorville, Calif.).

CSUSB tacked on another in the top of the seventh on a solo home run from senior Matt Gonzales (Glendora, Calif.) to go ahead 8-1. 

East Bay scored three in the seventh, one in the eighth, and one in the ninth, but the comeback bid came up short, as the Coyotes closed out the 8-6 win.

Junior Matt Romero (Glendora, Calif.) got the win on the bump for CSUSB. He threw 6.1 innings, allowing four earned runs with three strikeouts.

Junior Jeremy Giesegh (Upland, Calif.) led the Coyotes offensively, recording three hits, while Ruiz and Dominguez each had two hits, two RBIs, and a run scored.

The Coyotes and Pioneers will meet for games two and three of their series on Saturday. First pitch in the first game of the doubleheader is slated for 12 p.m.