RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The Highlanders had a short turnaround after the Big West opening series against Long Beach State, traveling across town to California Baptist to challenge the Lancers in a midweek Crosstown Showdown for an 8-2 win.

A Lancer home run opened the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning, but Highlander starter Tyler Frazier held on and got out of the inning without another run crossing the plate. He'd throw two complete innings before being relieved by Cruz Barrios. 

While Highlander defense worked to hold the Lancers at bay, UC Riverside bats got busy.

Jayden Lopez got things started in the fourth inning, getting on base with a walk and Jacob Shanks singled to advance Lopez to second base. Alphonzo Mancinas grounded out to move Lopez and Shanks to second and third base and Lopez scored the first UCR run on a passed ball.

Anthony McFarland next walked to put UCR runners on the corners for Jacob Badawi, who smacked a double to left field to score both Shanks and McFarland, before advancing to third on the throw home. 

Weaver sent Badawi home for the fourth run of the inning with a single to right field.

Shanks was back in action in the fifth, earning his second RBI when he sent Marcellus Pearson home with a ground out, to put the score to 5-1.

The Lancers answered back with a run in the bottom of the fifth to cut the deficit 5-2, but the momentum was short-lived as  Dominic Martinez belted a home run to re-establish a four-run advantage. 

Martinez wasn't done yet, knocking a two-RBI double in the ninth inning that scored Badawi and Weaver.

The Highlanders' bullpen stifled CBU, with Jack Weeks and Alexander Rivas tag teaming the final frame.

Martinez led UC Riverside to the win offensively, slashing 2 for 4 with a home run, a double and three RBIs. Badawi put in work, also going two for four with two runs and two RBIs. 

Jake Gebb took control on the mound for the Highlanders' mid-game, throwing four innings with three strikeouts, no runs and just one hit.

The Highlanders are back on the road for Big West play this weekend. First game is scheduled for Friday, March 31 at 3:00 PM at CSUN.