PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Pilots (14-5, 2-1 WCC) took down the BYU Cougars (10-7, 1-2 WCC) in their Saturday rubber match 3-1 to take their first WCC series of the season. It is the second year in a row the Pilots have taken a series over the Cougars.
The rotation was excellent on Saturday for the Pilots, holding the Cougars to just one run off two hits. Eli Morse earned the win after striking out six in six innings. Peter Allegro was also stellar in relief, with no hits or runs allowed in three innings and six strikeouts.
Portland only had three runs off of seven hits, but got them when they mattered most. Briley Knight drove in all the runs for Portland today with his three-run homer in the first inning. Jake Tsukada and Jake Holcroft were the only Pilots with multiple hits on the day, each going 2-for-4.
The Pilots scored all their runs in the opening inning, getting three right off the bat. Portland put two on base then had Knight step up to the plate. The outfielder hit a bomb right over the right field wall to bring everyone home and make it 3-0 Portland.
The offense stalled for both teams after that, with neither team scoring a run for the next three innings. The Cougars finally broke the cold spell in the top of the fifth, with a solo shot over the left field wall coming courtesy of Brock Watkins. That homer made it only 3-1 Pilots.
After that homer, Allegro entered in the seventh inning to try and stave off any type of BYU rally. The junior was excellent on the mound for the Pilots, notching a season-high six K's and helping Portland earn a 3-1 win over the Cougars.
The Pilots will be back home on Tuesday when they welcome the Seattle U Redhawks to Joe Etzel Field. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for more information.
