SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Leading 9-2 with the game seemingly in control, Santa Clara baseball gave up nine runs in the top half of the eighth and lost 11-9 to Portland in the conference series opener.
In the eighth inning, Portland (9-15, 3-4 WCC) sent 13 batters to the plate against Bronco relievers Cade Negley and Eric Lex. The Pilots plated nine runs on seven hits, including four doubles, and two wild pitches. The game deciding hit came from the bat of Pilot third baseman Daniel Lopez who hit a bases clearing double against Lex to give Portland a 10-9 lead.