COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- The Portland Pilots took a 4-2 lead into the ninth inning, but could not hold on and fell 5-4 to the No. 5 Texas A&M Aggies Sunday. The Pilots had already clinched the series on Saturday.
Peter Allegro (0-2) took the loss on the mound for Portland (5-2). Sophomore Ryan Rembisz was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going 4.1 innings, surrendering one run on two hits, walking two and striking out six.
At the plate, the Pilots were led by Tristan Gomes, who went 1-for-2 on the day with a home run, a walk and three RBI. Senior Briley Knight put together a noteworthy performance as well, going 2-for-3 with a double and a walk.
How it Happened
The Pilots put runs on the scoreboard first, scoring three in the second inning off the three-run homer from Gomes. The home run was the second of the season for junior.
The Aggies then gained ground, narrowing the lead to 3-2 until the Pilots expanded their advantage in the fourth. Zach Toglia came across to score the lone run of the inning for Portland off a wild pitch, which brought the Pilots lead to 4-2.
Portland held that lead until the final inning when the Aggies brought across three runs, including the winning two runs off the double from Jace LaViolette. Texas A&M won 5-4.
Game Notes
» Portland's highest scoring inning was the second, when it pushed three runs across.
» Portland pitchers limited Texas A&M to just 2-for-12 (.167) with runners in scoring position.
» Portland pitchers faced 40 Texas A&M hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and 10 fly balls while striking out 10.
» The Pilots drew five walks from Texas A&M pitching.
» Gomes led the Pilots at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBI. Knight also added two hits with a double.
» Texas A&M was led offensively by freshman Jace LaViolette, who went 3-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI.
» Junior Evan Aschenbeck led the Aggies pitching staff, throwing four shutout innings.
» The Pilots still took the series despite the loss Sunday, marking the first time they've taken a series against a top-five school and the first time they've done so against an SEC team.
Up Next
The Pilots take on the Seattle U Redhawks on Wednesday, March 1 at 3 p.m. for their home opener at Joe Etzel Field. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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