SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- The Portland Pilots got a boost from freshman Cole Katayama-Stall, who totaled three hits on the day including a home run, but ultimately fell 6-3 to the San Diego Toreros Thursday. The loss gives the Toreros the series opener.
Kaden Segel (4-3) got the ball to start for Portland (17-21, 9-4) and took the loss. In addition to his three hits, Katayama-Stall had a double, a home run and an RBI to lead the Pilots. Cody Nitowitz furnished a noteworthy day at the plate as well, going 2-for-5 with a double. Riley McCarthy also contributed for Portland, putting together one hit in four trips to the plate while adding a double and an RBI.
How it Happened
The Pilots were trailing 4-0 in the sixth inning, struggling to put together some offense. Fortunes changed when Portland plated two runs off of San Diego pitching, one of which was driven in on a run-scoring double off the bat of McCarthy and another off a single courtesy of Doyle Kane. The two runs made it 4-2 Toreros.
The Pilots' deficit expanded to 5-2 before their offense got back on the scoreboard in the eighth. Portland picked up a run on Katayama-Stall's leadoff home run off Dallin Harrison, which brought the score to 5-3 in favor of the Toreros. The homer was Katayama-Stall's sixth of the year. The Pilots were unable to get any closer, as San Diego added one run to their tally on the way to a 6-3 final.
Game Notes
» Katayama-Stall led the Pilots, amassing three base hits in the ballgame. His hit total matches a career-high.
» Portland's power output was led by Katayama-Stall, who compiled two extra base hits in the ballgame, including his sixth home run of the year.
» With six homers, Katayama-Stall has the highest home run total by a freshman since Riley Henricks in 2008.
» Portland's highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed two runs across.
» Portland pitchers faced 36 San Diego hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out four.
» Cody Nitowitz, Jonas Salk and Brady Bean extended their on-base streaks to 17, 16 and 13 respectively.
Up Next
The Pilots and Toreros will go back at it tomorrow at 6 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.
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