The Corvallis Knights secured a 5-3 win against the Portland Pickles in the West Coast League on Friday night. The game, held at Goss Stadium at Coleman Field, showcased strong performances from both teams but ultimately highlighted the Knights’ consistency and strategic plays.
The game commenced under ideal conditions, with a temperature of 79 degrees and sunny skies, drawing a crowd of 1,450 fans. Dominic Tatone took the win for the Knights, while Murphy Gienger was charged with the loss for the Pickles. Gabe Hernandez secured the save, contributing to the Knights’ robust pitching lineup.
The Knights set the tone early in the game, scoring three runs in the bottom of the second inning. Kevin Takeuchi, Quin Dufort and Kasen Khansarinia capitalized on Portland’s defensive lapses, aided by a stolen base from Blake Wilson. The Knights’ early lead was pivotal, providing them with a cushion they maintained throughout the game.
In a game where strong pitching was the difference, Knights starter Tyner Horn commented on what worked, saying:
“Fastball felt great, curveball felt great; my stuff kind of fell off in the fifth, but I was able to get out of it, so I felt pretty good. Slider I threw a couple times, changeup…kind of banged that today because it was mostly a right-handed lineup, but I threw it a couple of times and it felt great and it worked…felt balanced.”
The winning ace also identified areas of improvement for himself in the Knights’ quest for yet another league title:
“I can improve on first pitch strikes. I kind of struggle with those, but today I was probably about 50%, which seems to be better… there’s 0-2 and 1-2 counts…don;t be shy, just strike ‘em out I guess…I try to get as many strikes as I can. But yeah, get your good pitch out of the way and then find the strike zone,” Horn said.
Portland’s pitching, led by Dylan Smith, struggled in the second, allowing Corvallis to build an early lead that would prove difficult to overcome. Smith pitched four innings, giving up three runs—two earned—on four hits and a walk, with two strikeouts.
The Pickles found it challenging to generate offense against Corvallis’ pitchers, with Tyner Horn starting strong and delivering five innings of one-run ball. Portland managed to score their first run in the fifth when Riley McCarthy hit a groundout to bring home a run, but their struggles at the plate continued, as they compiled only four hits throughout the game.
Portland’s offense showed flashes of potential, with Tony Otis contributing two hits, including a triple, and Kevin Ferguson adding a double. However, the team’s inability to consistently string hits together left them trailing. Tanner Griffith’s speed was also a highlight for the Pickles, as he stole a base and chalked up two walks.
The Knights’ pitching staff demonstrated depth and composure. Horn was relieved by Lukas Casey, who pitched 1.2 innings and allowed two runs. Despite these runs, the Knights held their ground, with Tatone and Hernandez closing out the game effectively. Hernandez, in particular, was crucial in the final two innings, allowing only one hit and no runs, which clinched the win for the Knights.
The game featured several notable defensive plays. Portland’s Tyler Harries and Alex Gouveia showcased their fielding skills, participating in two double plays that kept the game close. However, a Portland error by Conner Stewart in the second inning allowed Corvallis to extend their lead, highlighting the impact of defensive miscues and brining the Pickles’ effort to win.
For the Knights, the defensive play was clean and efficient, with no errors recorded. The infield combination of Ferroggiaro, Yukumoto and Takeuchi proved reliable, handling ground balls and turning a crucial double play in the seventh inning.
The contest featured a total of eight pitches; Portland’s decision to bring in Murphy Gienger in the fifth inning was an attempt to stabilize their pitching, but Corvallis continued to find ways to score. Gienger’s two innings were marked by five strikeouts but also two earned runs, which ultimately widened the Knights’ lead.
Corvallis’ manager, Brooke Knight, opted for a conservative approach in the latter innings, focusing on maintaining their lead. The decision to bring in Tatone and then Hernandez proved effective, as they managed to close out the game with minimal additional scoring from Portland.
The Knights’ 5-3 victory over the Portland Pickles underscores their strong form this season, improving their record to 33-10. The Knights have consistently demonstrated a well-rounded team effort, with solid pitching, timely hitting, and strong defense.
For the Pickles, the loss was a setback but also a learning opportunity. Their record of 31-12 still reflects a strong season, and they will look to rebound in their upcoming games. The team’s ability to adjust and address their hitting inconsistencies will be crucial as they aim to solidify their playoff position.
That sentiment was echoed by Horn when reflecting on the team’s outlook for the playoffs.
“There’s a very high standard around here and we’re just trying to keep that standard, and everybody loves each other, there’s very high chemistry from being with each other for so long,” Horn said.
The Knights will seek to extend their winning streak on Saturday, when they play the second of three games in their home series against the Pickles at 6:35 p.m. at Goss Stadium at Coleman Field.