IRVINE, Calif. --- The Portland Pilots got a pair of runners on and brought the potential go-ahead run to the plate in the top of the ninth inning, but the UC Irvine Anteaters escaped the jam to claim a 3-1 win to open a three-game series on Friday night at Anteater Ballpark.
With one out and the Pilots (1-7) trailing by two in the final frame, Justin Thaxton drew a walk. Devin Kopas followed with a single, and just like that the Pilots were threatening to tie the game. But UC Irvine (4-4) closer Calvin Faucher came through with consecutive strike outs to seal the win.