IRVINE, Calif. -- Nick Brink and Jack Folkins combined to toss a shutout on Friday as the Portland Pilots blanked the USC Trojans 4-0 in their series opener.
Brink (1-0) started and picked up his first win this year for Portland (3-1), going six shutout innings while giving up just four hits, walking three, and striking out a career-high 10 batters. He's the second Pilot to strike out at least 10 batters in a game this year. Folkins was dealing out of the bullpen as well, going three shutout innings, allowing three hits, walking none and striking out one.
Christian Cooney led the way offensively for the Pilots, going 2-for-4 in the ballgame with a home run and three RBI's. It was his second homer of the season. Tristan Gomes furnished a standout day at the plate as well, going 2-for-4 with two doubles. Jonas Salk also contributed, going 1-for-4 for Portland with a double and an RBI.
How it Happened
The Pilots took the lead in the third inning, scoring for the first time off an RBI single from Cooney to bring home Jake Holcroft from second base.
The Pilots then tacked on runs in the fourth and fifth innings, with their biggest output coming in the fifth when they scored twice. In the fourth, Salk hit his RBI double to make it 2-0 Portland. Then Cooney followed that up the next inning with his two-run shot to put the score at its final. Portland held steady the rest of the way to take Game 1.
Game Notes
» Brink and Folkins combined to shut out USC, the first shutout of the year for Portland.
» Brink struck out 10 Trojans hitters, which is a career high. It's the second time in four games a Pilot pitcher has struck out at least 10 batters.
» Gomes put together two extra-base hits in the ballgame. His three doubles on the year leads the Pilots.
» Portland's highest scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed two runs across.
» Portland took the lead at 1-0 in the top half of the third and never lost that advantage.
» Brink put together six innings of scoreless ball for the Pilots.
» The Pilots out-hit the Trojans at an 8-7 clip.
» Portland pitchers limited USC to just 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
» Portland pitchers faced 36 USC hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out 11.
» Cooney led the Pilots at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI's. Cooney has two home runs on the year.
Up Next
The Pilots and Trojans will be back at it tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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.
