The Portland Pilots’ seven-game winning streak ended with a 3-0 loss to the Saint Mary’s Gaels in the opening game of a three-game West Coast Conference baseball series on March 27 at Joe Etzel Field.
This result is significant as it marks the first conference win for Saint Mary’s and interrupts a strong run by Portland. The game showcased strong pitching performances and key defensive plays that influenced the outcome.
Senior John Damozonio and junior Cam Staton combined for a shutout for the Gaels, with Damozonio pitching six scoreless innings, striking out nine batters, and allowing only four hits. Staton closed out the final three innings, conceding just three baserunners while striking out three. For Portland, junior Trey Newmann allowed two runs over six innings but took his first loss of the season. Sophomore Trey Swygart pitched in relief and gave up one unearned run over three innings.
Saint Mary’s scored two runs in the fourth inning after an RBI groundout by Brady Petit and an infield single from Diego Castellanos following a reviewed play that went in favor of Saint Mary’s. The Gaels added another unearned run in the seventh inning due to a fielding error by Portland.
Portland had opportunities to score, notably loading the bases in the sixth inning before Damozonio ended his outing with his ninth strikeout. Jonas Salk led Portland offensively with two hits including a double but was unable to help produce any runs as ten runners were left stranded throughout the game. Defensively, Portland committed three errors while Saint Mary’s played error-free baseball.
The series continues Saturday at 3 p.m., followed by Sunday’s concluding game at 1 p.m.
