PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Pilots rushed out to a big early lead and never looked back as they took the series opener against the Pepperdine Waves 9-6. The win puts the Pilots at 20-20 on the season and 12-7 in WCC play.
Portland's pitching staff flummoxed batters all night, combining for 15 strikeouts. Caleb Franzen earned the win in the start, his third of the season. He had seven strikeouts in 4.1 innings. Peter Allegro earned the save after an excellent relief performance, allowing no hits or runs in 4.2 innings while striking out eight.
The bats were working in Portland's favor on Friday, with the Pilots racking up nine runs on 15 hits.