SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Sam Stuhr was dominant in the start, striking out 12 San Diego State hitters over five innings, while Carter Gaston and Christian Cooney came in clutch late to help propel the Portland Pilots over the Aztecs 7-6 in a marathon 13-inning showdown. The win clinched the series for Portland.
In addition to his 12 strikeouts, Stuhr threw five shutout innings while giving up just two hits and walking two for Portland (2-0). Gaston (1-0) also had a career day on the mound for the Pilots, throwing four shutout innings while allowing just two hits, with no walks and six strikeouts.
In the batter's box, the Pilots were led by Cooney, who went 3-for-7 on the day with a double, the game-winning home run and three RBI's. Spencer Scott compiled a standout effort as well, going 1-for-4 with two walks and an RBI. Senior Jake Holcroft also added two RBI's.
How it Happened
Saturday's contest started similarly to Friday's with no scoring until Portland broke the seal in the fourth. Portland scored three runs in the frame, highlighted by a two-run single off the bat of Holcroft and an RBI single from Spencer Scott that made it 3-0 Portland.
The Aztecs failed to push any runs across before the Pilots built on their lead in the sixth inning. Buoyed by a two-run single off the bat of Cooney and a score off a wild pitch, Portland brought the score to 6-0 in favor of the Pilots.
San Diego State made a comeback in the final two innings, scoring six combined runs in the eighth and ninth to tie things up at six and force extra innings. After three innings of trading outs, Cooney hit a solo shot down the left field line in the 13th inning that made it 7-6 Portland. The score proved to be the final, as Portland held on for the win.
Game Notes
» Cooney picked up three hits in the game for Portland. His home run was the first for a Pilot this year.
» Stuhr struck out 12 Aztecs hitters in just five innings of work. It's the highest strikeout total a Pilot has ever reached in their Portland debut.
» The Pilots power output was led by Cooney, who compiled two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» The Portland pitching staff combined to strike out 23 San Diego State hitters. That is a program record for strikeouts in a game.
» The Pilots out-hit the Aztecs at a 10-9 clip.
» Brady Bean stole two bases in Saturday's game.
» The Pilots drew six walks from San Diego State pitching.
» Gaston's strikeout and innings pitched totals were both career highs.
Up Next
The Pilots will close out the series against San Diego State tomorrow at noon. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats of tomorrow's contest.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Secure your spot now for any upcoming Portland Pilots ticketed home event by visiting PortlandPilots.com/Tickets or by downloading the Portland Pilots App. For group and fan experience package information, email pilotsboxoffice@up.edu.
Donate Today
Fans interested in making a contribution to the Pilot Athletic Fund can do so by clicking here. Your gift directly helps our nearly 300 student-athletes as they strive to make a difference in our community and achieve academic and athletic excellence. Thank you for support of Pilot Athletics!
Follow Along With the Action
Get the latest news and information about your favorite University of Portland athletic programs by visiting PortlandPilots.com. You can also follow along for the most dynamic coverage and team-centric content by following us on Twitter, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Instagram.
