Box Score

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. --- Portland’s senior closer Chris Dennis picked up his third straight save and junior Beau Fraser drilled a three-run, go-ahead homer as the Pilots topped the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders 11-8 on Sunday to sweep the three-game series at Reese Smith Jr. Field. Portland trailed 6-0 before rallying for the win.

 

The Pilots (3-0) found themselves down six runs after four innings before beginning the comeback with a four-spot in the top of the fifth. Junior Ben Grubb and freshman Turner Gill both had an RBI double during the four-run outburst.

 

Portland still trailed the Blue Raiders (0-3) 6-4 in the top of the seventh when the Pilot bats came alive once again, this time for five runs. Junior Kramer Scott began the scoring by following a triple from senior Kevin Armijo with a triple of his own down the right field line. Freshman Zack McCoy then tied the game at 6-6 with a single to right field that scored Scott.

 

A few batters later, Fraser stepped up to the plate with runners on first and second and two outs. The designated hitter sent his first home run of the season high over the fence in left-center field, giving the Pilots their first lead of the afternoon.

 

Both teams would score a pair of runs in the eighth inning before the Pilots would hold on for the three-run win.

 

Dennis, who is already the program’s career leader in saves, faced just two batters to record his third save of the young season. He walked one before fanning Tyler Acker to end the game.

 

Senior Brent Miller (1-0) gets the win after working two innings of scoreless relief. The right-hander, who replaced UP starter Chris Johnson to begin the fifth inning, struck out two, while allowing just two hits and no walks. Miller was one of five Portland relievers on the day.

 

Paul Mittura (0-1) picks up the loss after surrendering the Fraser home run. Mittura, who was one of five Middle Tennessee pitchers, allowed the three runs on two hits and a walk in 1.0 inning. He also struck out two. Daniel Palo, MTSU’s starter, threw 4.2 innings and was touched for four runs on six hits and six walks.

 

10 different Pilots recorded a hit, with Fraser, Scott and Grubb leading the way with two each. Both Scott and Grubb also knocked in a pair of runs. As a team, the Pilots hit .362 during the weekend, outscoring the Blue Raiders 19-14. Portland pitchers held the Blue Raider batters to an average of .282.

 

Next up for the Pilots are four straight home games, beginning with a 2 p.m. match-up on Tuesday with George Fox an Joe Etzel Field.