The Portland Pilots baseball team lost to the Pepperdine Waves 5-3 in their series opener, according to a May 8 announcement. The game was played in Malibu, California, and leaves Portland with a record of 25-21 overall and an even 11-11 in West Coast Conference play.
The result is significant as it impacts the Pilots’ standing within their conference as they approach the end of the regular season. Jonas Salk led Portland’s offense, recording three hits out of four at-bats, including a double and two runs batted in. With these two RBI’s, Salk moved into a tie for twelfth place all-time for Portland with 110 career RBI’s. Dakota Chun added another RBI for the team during his one-for-four performance at bat.
Pitcher Trey Swygart took the loss after pitching three and one-third innings in relief, allowing two runs on five hits. Will Labonte started on the mound for Portland and went four and two-thirds innings, giving up three runs on five hits while striking out one batter.
The game’s scoring began with Portland taking an early lead on a fielder’s choice before Pepperdine tied it up with a single in the fourth inning. After falling behind again in the fifth inning, Salk delivered his second hit—a two-run double—in the sixth to even things at three apiece. However, Pepperdine regained control by scoring twice more in the seventh inning to secure their victory.
Looking ahead, Portland will face Pepperdine again tomorrow at 2 p.m., with live statistics and video options available through official channels. The outcome of this series may influence postseason opportunities for both teams.
