Top-ranked heavyweight Ryan Flores recorded a pin in his hometown and No. 14 Daniel Mitchell also registered a fall at 197 lbs. as the No. 10 American University wrestling team defeated Cal State Bakersfield, 26-16, Thursday evening at Clovis North High School in Clovis, Calif.

A Clovis, Calif., native, Flores improves to a perfect 6-0 on the season, which includes pins in five of his victories. The reigning national runner-up has now won 17 of his last 18 bouts dating back to last season. Mitchell, meanwhile, improves to 10-5 on the campaign with victories in four of his last five matches.

The dual began well for American as Kevin Tao opened with a 17-0 technical fall against Erik Martinez at 149 lbs. No. 4 Ganbayar Sanjaa followed with a 9-5 decision against Anthony Box at 157 lbs. to push AU's lead to 8-0.

Cal State Bakersfield responded with victories in the next three bouts at 165 lbs., 174 lbs., and 184 lbs. to take an 11-8 advantage. AU, however, fired back with back-to-back pins, beginning with Mitchell's fall against AC Brown at 1:18 and then Flores' pin of Steven Wood at 2:54. Thomas Williams continued AU's win streak with a 2-0 decision over Miguel Comparan at 125 lbs. to extend AU's lead to 23-11. After a setback at 133 lbs., No. 14 Matt Mariacher closed the dual for the Eagles with a 7-4 decision against Dalton Kelley.

American will continue its California swing when it visits No. 19 Cal Poly on Friday, January 6, beginning at 10 p.m. EST.