The Portland Pilots baseball team defeated the Seattle U Redhawks 3-0 on April 4, avoiding a series sweep and improving their season record to 19-10 and 6-3 in West Coast Conference play.
The win is significant for the Pilots as it demonstrates their strong pitching and defensive capabilities. The result also strengthens their position in conference standings as they approach upcoming games.
Will Labonte led the pitching staff with six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and striking out six batters. This outing marked his fourth appearance this season without giving up a run in games where he pitched at least four innings, matching his career high for innings thrown. Morgan Codron and Alex Via combined to keep the Redhawks hitless for the remainder of the game, with Via earning his seventh save of the year.
Cody Nitowitz was notable on offense with two hits in four at-bats, marking his seventh multi-hit game this season. Trey Swygart contributed an RBI single, while Jonas Salk added another RBI by drawing a bases-loaded walk during a three-run first inning that accounted for all of Portland’s scoring. Cole Katayama-Stall recorded an extra-base hit with a double.
This victory marks Portland’s second shutout of the season. Labonte improved to a perfect 3-0 record so far this year, while Via’s seven saves set a new program record for saves by a true freshman pitcher.
Looking ahead, Portland will host No. 15 Oregon Ducks at Joe Etzel Field on Wednesday, April 8 at 5 p.m., offering fans another opportunity to support their team.
