The Pilots (9-7) snap a three-game skid at the Pepsi/Johnny Quick Classic with the win over the tournament host and reigning national champion Fresno State (8-5).

The Pilots scored twice in the top of the first inning and twice more in the third to take control of the game. With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the first, Henricks came through with a two-run single to center field to give UP the early advantage.

After the Bulldogs scored a run in the bottom of the first, Henricks came through once again in the top of the third inning to give the Pilots a 4-1 lead. This time there were runners on second and third with one out when Henricks drilled a two-run double to right-center field to chase FSU starter Sean Bonesteele (0-3).

Bonesteele lasted just 2.1 innings in the loss. He gave up four earned runs on five hits and three walks. Relievers Cody Kendall, who pitched 5.2 innings, and Jake Floethe would hold Portland scoreless the rest of the way.

But the damage had been done and Kraus (2-1) was cruising. Kraus gave up the one run in the first and another in the fourth, but otherwise was flawless. After giving up a lead-off, solo home run to Steve Detwiler in the bottom of the fourth, Kraus settled down and retired nine straight FSU hitters. He’d go on to take care of 15 of the next 16 hitters entering the ninth inning.

After the first two batters were retired the ninth, Kenny Wise kept Fresno State alive with a two-out double. Then with the tying run at the plate, Kraus induced a game-ending ground-out to third base by Dusty Robinson.

The Pilots finished with a 9-6 edge in hits. Henricks went 2-for-4, while sophomore outfielder Craig Smith finished 2-for-3.

Neither team committed an error.

The Pilots continue play at the Pepsi/Johnny Quick Classic with another game against Buffalo on Friday at 2:00 p.m. Portland then ends its six games in six days stretch in Fresno with a tilt against Cal State Bakersfield at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.