MORAGA, Calif. –– The Gaels took game two of the three game set against Portland after strong pitching performances from freshman
Tyler Thornton and junior
Kevin Milam.
HOW IT HAPPENED
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- The Pilots struck first on Saturday after a double to deep left center field scored the runner from first base with two outs. The Gaels made it out of the top of the second without allowing any more runs, but Portland had the early 1-0 lead.
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- Portland threatened in the top of the fourth after freshman Thornton gave up two leadoff walks before a successful bunt advanced the runners to third and second. The next batter was hit by a pitch to load the bases, but Thornton struck out the next batter and the final batter of the inning popped out to the shortstop and the inning ended without any damage.
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- Junior Ryan Novis hit a leadoff single to center field that began the bottom of the fourth before freshman Bryce Willits hit a single up the right side. Senior Eddie Haus hit a sacrifice fly to center field that advanced Novis to third base and gave Portland the first out of the inning. Senior Austin Chauvin was then walked to load the base, but the Gaels were unable to bring any across and the inning ended with the Pilots still ahead 1-0.
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- Sophomore Gio Diaz hit a leadoff double to deep center field to begin the bottom of the fifth inning followed by a walk of Vranesh. Milam then hit a double to center field that scored both Diaz and Vranesh to put the Gaels in the lead 2-1.
QUOTABLES
"These last two wins have been hard against a good Portland team," said head coach Eric Valenzuela. "Milam looked fresh on the mound today and it's been good to see him hitting well in clutch spots these last two games. All of these games are important because like last year, it could come down to the very last weekend."
NOTABLE NUMBERS
- 10: Junior Milam's tenth save of his career and his first since his freshman season
- 5: Number of wins for freshman Thornton, which leads Gael pitchers
- 12: Strikeouts for Gael pitchers in game two against Portland (Thornton–9, Milam–3)
- 11: Freshman Willits eleven game hitting streak was broken up on Saturday
- 2: With the series win secured, the Gaels look to complete their second conference sweep on Sunday (4th overall)
COMING UP
Saint Mary's will play the final game of the series against Portland on Sunday at 1 p.m.
#GaelsRise – Tickets for all upcoming home game are available for purchase
here on SMCGaels.com or by calling the SMC Ticket Office at (925) 631-GoTx. Fans can find all live coverage links on SMCGaels.com.
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