NACOGDOCHES, Texas --- After only producing one hit and no runs during the first six innings, the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks exploded for seven hits and six runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to claim a 6-5 comeback win over the Portland Pilots on Thursday night at Jaycees Field. Hunter Montgomery had another solid game at the plate for the Pilots as he homered and doubled during the loss.
 
The bottom of the seventh began with the Pilots (6-3) on top 5-0 and starter Eli Morse in control on the mound. Back-to-back solo homers would give the 'Jacks (4-5) two runs to open the frame, and more hits would follow as Morse departed with Portland still leading 5-2.
 
Christian Peters took over on the mound, and after Jordan Monacy sent a two-run single down the right field line, SFA had completed the comeback to now lead 6-5.
 
The 'Jacks then retired the Pilots in order the rest of the way to seal the win.
 
Montgomery opened the scoring when he left the yard with his third homer of the season in the bottom of the first. The home run came with two outs and Daniel Lopez and Cody Hawken on base. Lopez had previously doubled, and Hawken reached on a walk.
 
Montgomery continued his torrid streak when he led off the fourth inning with a double. A few batters later, Jace McKinney sent a deep drive into the left-center gap for a double of his own, which easily scored Montgomery to make it a 4-0 game.
 
The Pilots ran into some trouble in the bottom of the fifth inning when they loaded the bases, courtesy two Portland errors and a fielder's choice. But Morse came through by ending the inning and the threat with a three-pitch strikeout, preserving the Pilots' lead.
 
Morse's final line included four runs on five hits, and the sophomore righty fanned seven, while not issuing a walk. Peters (0-1) takes the loss, and Peter Allegro pitched the bottom of the eighth for Portland.
 
The win goes to SFA reliever Jacob Stobart (3-1) earns the win. He replaced starter Seth Campbell in the fourth inning and limited the Pilots to one run on one hit in 3.1 innings. Stobart struck out eight, and Jeremy Rodrigues tossed a flawless 2.0 innings to pick up his first save of the season.
 
Tomorrow night the Pilots and 'Jacks play the second game of the series, with first pitch slated for 4:30 p.m. (Pacific)