SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.- Portland was within striking distance for the first eight innings, until the Pacific Tigers scored six runs in the top of the ninth inning to put the game out of reach. Pacific (3-2) won their second straight game at the Oakland A’s Spring Training Tournament, while the Pilots (0-2) lost for the second straight day.
The Tigers scored in the top of the first, taking a 1-0 lead on an Aaron Harper double, but Pilot starter Matthew Peters got out of a jam by striking out Isaiah Lilly.
Portland scored two runs in the second in what had the makings of a big inning. Sophomore Travis Vetters led off with a single and after sophomore Justin Pierce walked, Billy Krause laid down a bunt single to load the bases with nobody out. Sophomore transfer Rhett Parker capitalized with a two-run single to the right side of the diamond. With no outs and runners on first and second, junior Mike McRae lined a shot right at shortstop Octavio Amezquita who tossed to second base for the double play. Tiger hurler Alex Graham got out of the jam by striking out Jesse Rodgers to end the inning.
Pacific evened the score in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Amezquita, scoring Jesse Kovacs who led off with a double. The Tigers jumped to a 3-2 lead in the following inning after an error and two hit batters set up a Jordan Seiber RBI single.
Mark McLaughlin made it three straight innings that Pacific scored with a bases-clearing triple to center field, extending the Tigers lead to 6-2. Pilot senior reliever Kyle Corra was brought in to replace Peters and quickly got the final two outs.
Jeff Crinklaw led off the bottom of the sixth with his third double of the season, igniting a Pilot spurt. Vetters followed with a double of his own and would come around and score on an error, cutting the lead down to 6-4.
The bats went silent for the next two innings, before Pacific erupted for a six-spot in the top of the ninth on just four hits. A leadoff walk and fielder’s choice prolonged the disastrous inning.
Portland finished with four runs on nine hits and committed two errors. Pacific’s 12 runs came off of 12 hits and they were assessed three errors.
Crinklaw improved to 4-of-7 on the year after a 2-for-4 day. Vetters went 2-for-5 with a pair of runs and one RBI. Parker went 1-for-3 with two RBI in his first start of the year, while Joe Watson also finished with two hits. Peters tossed 5.1 innings, giving up six runs (five earned) on eight hits and struck out two. Corra went the final 3.2 innings and struck out four.
Kovacs led the Tigers with a 3-for-4 afternoon, scoring three runs and knocking in two more. Graham pitched 6.0 innings, striking out five batters and giving up three earned runs. Mike Mathews and Josh Schmidt combined to close the game, not allowing a run over the final third of the game.
Portland continues tournament play against the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 3:00 p.m. The Pilots conclude the weekend with another match-up against the Tigers on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 10:00 a.m.
