With a two-run homer and four RBI’s, sophomore Danny Meier powers the Pilots to an 8-1 win over Utah in a game shortened by snow
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah --- The Portland Pilots defeated the Utah Utes 8-1 in a non-conference baseball game shortened to six innings because of snow at Cate Field. The game, which started on Saturday and was suspended because of inclement weather, was scheduled to resume on Sunday before Portland and Utah played the third and final game of the three-game series. That game was cancelled as well.
It’s the second time on the current road trip that a game has been wiped out by snow for the Pilots. Portland’s scheduled game against Nevada was cancelled last Sunday because of snowfall in Reno, Nev.
Portland junior Sean Sargent (2-4) pitched all six innings against the Utes to pick up the win. Sargent stuck out nine and allowed one run on nine hits and two walks.
Sophomore infielder Danny Meier hit his third home run of the season and knocked in four RBI’s as the Pilots racked up 14 hits. Meier also had a two-run double. Six Pilots had two hits.
Each team managed to score a run in the first inning on Saturday. Portland scored when junior Jesse Rodgers knocked home Sean Nicol with a double.
Meier hit his two-run blast in the second to give UP a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Up 3-1 in the fifth, the Pilots added four more runs to their lead when junior James Allan, Meier and junior Justin Ehlers hit back-to-back-to-back doubles.
Senior Matthew Peters knocked in Portland’s final run with a single in the sixth inning.
Utah’s starting pitching Eric King (1-3) last just 2.2 innings and gave up three runs on seven hits to pick up the loss.
Portland ended the 10-day road trip with a 3-3 record to improve its overall record to 5-13. Utah falls to 8-10 on the season.
After playing the first 18 games of the season on the road, the Pilots play their home opener next weekend against UC Davis. The Pilots and Aggies are scheduled to play a three-game series at Joe Etzel Field beginning with a 2 p.m. game on Friday. Saturday’s and Sunday’s games are each slated to start at 1 p.m.
