Portland Pilots Baseball achieved a 5-4 victory against the CSUN Matadors in Northridge, California, bringing their season record to 2-2.
Leo Cote contributed significantly at the plate, finishing with two hits in four at-bats, including a double and two runs batted in. Nolan Miller had one hit in four at-bats, driving in a run and scoring twice. Dakota Chun also recorded an RBI single. The Pilots scored five runs on seven hits during the game.
Starting pitcher Carter Gaston delivered 5.1 scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and striking out three batters. This outing marked his first win of the season and made him the second Pilot pitcher to earn a win this year. Relievers Aaron Louis, JT Landwehr, and Alex Via also appeared in the game, with Via securing his first save of the season.
The Pilots took an early lead by scoring three runs in the first inning through RBI singles from Chun and Cote and a fielder’s choice by Miller. In the third inning, Cote added another run with a double to center field. A failed pickoff attempt by CSUN allowed Portland to score once more in the fifth inning.
CSUN narrowed the gap late in the game with a two-run home run in the seventh inning and additional runs from a walk and an error. Despite these efforts, Alex Via managed to hold off CSUN’s offense in the final inning to secure Portland’s win.
According to team notes:
– Leo Cote’s performance included his first career hits.
– Both Nolan Miller and Dakota Chun registered RBI hits.
– Chun has now hit safely in each of his first four collegiate games.
– Carter Gaston’s start was his longest scoreless outing since 2024.
– Alex Via became the first Pilot this season to record a save.
Next on their schedule, Portland will face UC Santa Barbara Gauchos for a three-game road series from February 20 through February 22. The opening game is set for Friday at 4 p.m., with live stats and video available via PortlandPilots.com.
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