LEWISTON, Idaho- The University of Portland baseball team led for eight innings before giving up two runs in the ninth and losing to Gonzaga 4-3 in their final game at the Banana Belt Tournament. Portland (0-10) got a strong pitching performance from sophomore Stephen Ball who tossed 8.1 innings before coming out with the bases loaded and one out in the ninth. Freshman Sean Sargent tried to earn the save but hit Matt Reding to tie the game, then walked David Johnson to bring home the winning run.

Ball (0-1), struck out eight batters and didn't allow a run until Gonzaga scored two runs in the seventh. Nate Williams (1-0) pitched a scoreless ninth for the Bulldogs to earn the win.

Travis Vetters and Josh Goff each had three hits for the Pilots, while Rhett Parker tallied two base hits and knocked in all three Portland runs.

Portland out-hit Gonzaga 10-6, but GU stranded 14 runners compared to Portland's seven. Both teams committed four errors.

The Pilots are back in action at the Pepsi/Johnny Quik Classic in Fresno, Calif. this week. They open the tournament against Monmouth University on Mon., March 8 at 1:30 p.m.