LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- The Portland Pilots dropped their first game in the 2023 WCC Baseball Tournament 15-3 to the Santa Clara Broncos. Sophomore Joey Gartrell (5-5) started and took the loss on the mound for Portland (29-22).

The loss means the Pilots will play the LMU Lions tomorrow at 12 p.m. to stay alive in the tournament. If they win, they'll play either the Broncos again or the Saint Mary's Gaels later that evening. If they lose, they will be eliminated.

In the batter's box, the Pilots were led by Nich Klemp, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a home run and two RBI's. Evan Scavotto put together a standout performance at the plate as well, going 2-for-5 with a triple. Briley Knight also contributed for Portland, putting together one hit in four trips to the plate while adding a walk and an RBI.

How it Happened

The Pilots got the scoring started early, putting two runs on the board in the bottom the first inning with the game still scoreless. Portland plated two runs when Klemp left the yard with Scavotto aboard.

The Broncos then rallied to score eight runs between the third and fifth innings to take an 8-2 lead before the Pilots got back on the board in the fifth. Portland scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Knight, which tightened the Broncos lead to 8-3. The Pilots were unable to get any closer, as Santa Clara added seven runs to their tally, including six in the ninth, on their way to a 15-3 final.

Game Notes
» Portland's highest scoring inning was the first, when it pushed two runs across.
» Portland left 12 runners stranded on base in the loss.
» Portland pitchers faced 55 Santa Clara hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out eight.
» Klemp led the Pilots at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI.
» Ben Patacsil has now been hit by 19 pitches this season. If he gets hit one more time, he'll have broken the program record for times hit by pitch this season.
» If the Pilots win tomorrow, they will play either the Saint Mary's Gaels or Santa Clara. If they lose tomorrow, they are out of the tournament.

Up Next

The Pilots will play tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. against the LMU Lions. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.

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