Gonzaga Holds off Another Pilot Ninth-Inning Rally
Box Score
SPOKANE, Wash. --- Portland plated three runs in the top of the ninth inning to trim the Gonzaga Bulldog’s lead to one before the Bulldog’s bullpen shut the door to complete a three game West Coast Conference sweep of the Pilots Sunday afternoon at Patterson Complex.
Gonzaga (32-20, 12-9 WCC) closer David Bigelow entered the game with the bases loaded and one out, dancing out of trouble with a fielder’s choice and a fly ball to pick up his fourth save of the season.
Portland (25-22, 12-12 WCC) sophomore OF Turner Gill started the rally with a single to right field. Gonzaga’s starter Andy Hunter (4-2) recorded one more out before the Pilots chased him with another hit and a walk to load the bases.
Portland pushed across a run on a fielding error, keeping the bases loaded while cutting into the lead. Freshman Michael Lucarelli then roped a single back up the middle, cutting the lead to 7-5 and knocking Gonzaga reliever Kenny Smith from the game.
With the bases loaded and still one out, Bo Cornish drew the unconventional RBI-hit-by-pitch off Bigelow, cutting the lead to one and advancing the potential go-ahead run into scoring position. Bigelow then induced a ground ball back to the mound before ending the game with a fly out.
Hunter lasted 8.1 innings for Gonzaga, allowing eight hits and one walk on five strikeouts. All six runs Hunter allowed were earned.
Portland starter Chris Johnson (4-4) turned in a solid outing, scattering 11 hits and one walk in 7.1 innings. Johnson struck out three and allowed just two earned runs.
Cruising in the fifth inning, Johnson had retired the first two batters on just three pitches. The Bulldogs took advantage of a two-out error, sending six more batters to the plate in the inning and putting four runs on the board.
With WCC play now completed, the Pilots return home to start the last week of the season. Portland plays Oregon at Joe Etzel field in the final home game of the season on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.
