LAS CRUCES, NM -- Despite taking the lead late in the eighth inning, the Portland Pilots fell to the New Mexico State Aggies 11-10 on Sunday on a walk-off single in the ninth. The loss gave the Aggies the series.
Trey Swygart (0-3) took the loss on the mound for Portland (6-14). JT Landwehr was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going six innings, surrendering two runs, both earned, on four hits, walking one and striking out five.
Zach Toglia and Doyle Kane shined at the plate, going 2-for-4 and 2-for-5 respectively with three RBI's each. Kane and Toglia each hit a home run as well. Brady Bean went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and two RBI's, Cody Nitowitz went 2-for-4 and Tyler Howard hit 2-for-5.
How it Happened
The Pilots got the scoring started early, putting three runs on the board, including one off a triple from Kane. Kane followed that up with a home run in the second inning, bringing in two more runs to make it 5-0 Portland.
The Aggies responded with seven runs in the second inning, putting the Pilots in the hole. But Portland was able to respond in the fourth. The Pilots added two to their tally on Bean's two-run homer to left field. That knotted things up at seven.
The Aggies busted up the tie and grabbed the lead heading into the seventh inning, but Portland got back on the scoreboard. The Pilots scored twice on senior Zach Toglia's two-run homer, bringing the score to 9-8 in favor of Portland.
New Mexico State took the lead back with a two-run shot of their own in the eighth, holding 10-9 advantage heading into the ninth. The Pilots tied up the game at 10 in the final inning when Portland pushed across a run on Toglia's RBI double. New Mexico State, however, ended up on top, hitting an RBI single in the bottom frame to give them an 11-10 victory over the Pilots.
Game Notes
» Portland had three players post multiple extra-base hits and three also hit home runs.
» Toglia, Bean and Kane all homered on the day. It's the fourth for Toglia, the third for Bean and the first for Kane.
» Kane's homer is the first of his Pilot career.
» Toglia is tied for the team lead in home runs and is also tied for eighth all-time in career home runs for Portland.
» Five Portland hitters had multiple base knocks in the ballgame.
» Portland went 3-for-8 (.375) with runners in scoring position.
» Portland pitchers faced 43 New Mexico State hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out seven.
» The Pilots drew five walks from New Mexico State pitching.
Up Next
The Pilots take on the San Jose State Spartans on Wednesday, March 19. First pitch is set for 6:05 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 University of Portland Athletics can do so by clicking here. Your gift helps our over 300 student-athletes compete at the highest level – on and off the field - in the rapidly changing world of intercollegiate athletics. All gifts to Pilot Athletics are 100% tax deductible.
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.
