MORAGA, Calif. --- The Pilots loaded the bases with only one out in the top of the ninth inning, but the Saint Mary's Gaels held on to claim a 2-1 win over Portland in a West Coast Conference baseball game played on Saturday afternoon at Louis Guisto Field. The game featured just nine hits as both teams were solid on the hill.
 
With one out in the top of the ninth, Cody Hawken gave the Pilots a baserunner when he was hit by a pitch. Dutton Elske followed with a single, and Tracye Tammaro loaded the bases by drawing a walk. But with the potential game-tying run just 90 feet away, SMC reliever Kevin Milam came through with back-to-back strikeouts to clinch the win for the Gaels.
 
It's the first save of the year for Milam, who entered the game after starter Tyler Thornton (5-0) worked 7.0 innings. Thornton allowed just one run on three hits, he walked three, and he K'd nine.
 
Portland (19-13, 2-9 WCC) scored the game's first run in the top of the second inning. After Jace McKinney earned a two-out walk, Elske sent a double into the left-center gap. McKinney scored all the way from first base, and the Pilots led 1-0.
 
The lead stood until the fifth inning when the Gaels (18-12, 5-3 WCC) got to Portland starter Kevin Baker for a pair of runs. Gio Diaz led off the frame with a double, Joe Vranesh reached with a walk, and Milam greeted new pitcher Cameron Richman with a two-run, go-ahead double to center field.
 
That's all the offense the Gaels could produce as Richman and Christian Peters held the home team scoreless the rest of the way. Richman struck out four in 3.0 innings, and Peters was flawless in the bottom of the eighth. Baker (0-3) takes the loss.
 
Tomorrow the Pilots and Gaels play the finale of the three-game WCC series, with first pitch set for 1 p.m.