Logan Day scored 6:33 into the third period to lift Bakersfield to a 3-2 win over Colorado in the Calder Cup Playoffs debut for both clubs.
Game 2 is Saturday night in Loveland, Colo.
Brad Malone and William Lagesson had a goal and an assist each for the Condors and Shane Starrett made 26 saves to pick up the victory in net.
Defensemen Mark Alt and David Warsofsky scored for the Eagles, who erased 1-0 and 2-1 deficits but could not get the final equalizer.
Pavel Francouz turned aside 20 shots in the loss.
Pacific Division Semifinals – Series “G” (best-of-5)
P1-Bakersfield Condors vs. P4-Colorado Eagles
Game 1 – Fri., Apr. 19 – Bakersfield 3, COLORADO 2
Game 2 – Sat., Apr. 20 – Bakersfield at Colorado, 9:05
Game 3 – Tue., Apr. 23 – Colorado at Bakersfield, 10:00
*Game 4 – Sat., Apr. 27 – Colorado at Bakersfield, 10:00
*Game 5 – Sun., Apr. 28 – Colorado at Bakersfield, 8:00
*if necessary… All times Eastern