SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Propelled by a big eighth inning that pushed the game out of reach, the Portland Pilots defeated the Santa Clara Broncos 8-3 to clinch the series. It marks the first WCC series win of the year for the Pilots.

Carter Gaston (3-1) started on the mound and picked up the win for Portland (12-8, 2-0). The right-hander went 6.1 innings, giving up three runs, two earned, on seven hits, allowing one walk and striking out three. Tanner Douglas also made an impact on the mound for the Pilots, throwing 2.2 scoreless innings while allowing no hits, with no walks and three strikeouts for his third save of the year.

Riley McCarthy was dominant at the plate with four hits in four at bats, a career best for the catcher. In addition to his four hits, McCarthy had an RBI. Ben Patacsil furnished a standout day at the plate as well, going 1-for-3 with a double, two walks and two RBI's. Spencer Scott also chipped in for Portland, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate while adding three RBI's.

How it Happened

Trailing 1-0, the Pilots first put runs on the board in the third inning. Portland scored twice, with one run coming across on Scott's single and another off a sacrifice fly.

The Broncos then tied the ballgame at two before the Pilots came back to reclaim their advantage in the fifth inning. Portland managed to push across two runs in the inning off a hit by pitch and a sac fly, which brought the Pilots lead to 4-2.

Santa Clara narrowed Portland's lead to 4-3 before the Pilots stretched the advantage to 8-3 in the eighth inning. The Pilots bats heated up in the inning, scoring four runs, including a two-run double off the bat of Patacsil and RBI singles for Scott and McCarthy. The insurance runs ensured Portland the victory.

Game Notes
» McCarthy collected four hits on the day for Portland, a career high. He's the second batter this year to record that many hits in a game.
» Portland's highest scoring inning was the eighth, when it pushed four runs across to secure the win.
» The Pilots out-hit the Broncos at a 13-7 clip.
» Portland went 5-for-10 (.500) with runners in scoring position.
» Portland pitchers faced 35 Santa Clara hitters in the game, allowing 10 ground balls and 11 fly balls while striking out six.
» The Pilots drew four walks from Santa Clara pitching.
» Spencer Scott's three RBI's were a season high for the infielder.
» This is the first WCC series win of the year for the Pilots.

Up Next

The Pilots will go for the sweep against the Broncos tomorrow at 12 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.

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