Box Score
PORTLAND, Ore. --- Portland’s Jeff Melby hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning and Ben Grubb drilled a three-run blast in the fifth as the Pilots topped the Washington State Cougars 7-5 in a non-conference baseball game played on a warm and sun-drenched Monday afternoon at Joe Etzel Field. Melby’s homer tied the score, while the long fly from Grubb proved to be the game-winner.
It’s the fourth straight win for the Pilots, who improve to 17-28 overall. Wazzu drops to 20-24.
It was the Cougars who scored first with a pair of runs in the top of the first inning. But Portland had an answer in the form of Melby, who left the yard over the left field wall with his first homer of the season. Kramer Scott, who had previously walked, also scored on the dinger to even the score at 2-2.
After the Cougars re-claimed a 3-2 lead with a run in the top of the fifth, the Pilots again responded, this time with line drive, RBI single to left by Nick Armenta. Scott then lined out for the second out of the inning, but Melby would follow with a hard hit single that scored Michael Lucarelli with the go-ahead run.
The next hitter was Grubb, who tagged his team-best fourth homer of the year that just did curl inside the foul pole down the left field line.
The Cougars made things interesting with two runs in the top of the eighth inning, but Portland’s new-found closer Kody Watts came in to retire the final four Washington State hitters in order to end the game.
Portland used all three of its usual weekend starters with the win going to Kurt Yinger (4-4). Billy Sahlinger started and worked the first two innings, while Yinger tossed 3.0 scoreless frames. Matt McCallister then threw 2.2 innings before giving way to Watts, who notched his third save of the year.
The Cougars used five pitchers on the afternoon and starter Tanner Chleborad (3-8) was charged with the loss. Chleborad allowed six runs on six hits in 4.2 innings.
Both Melby and Grubb finished with a pair of hits and three RBI’s each. Beau Fraser also had two hits to help the Pilots finish with eight as a team.
Washington State totaled 11 hits.
The Pilots next make the trek to Salem, Ore., for a non-conference tilt against No. 6 Oregon State on Wednesday. First pitch at Volcanoes Stadium is set for 5:35 p.m.
