SPOKANE, Wash. — After a slow start in a low-scoring affair, two runs off two hits from Portland were enough to shut out Gonzaga at Patterson Baseball Complex and Coach Steve Hertz Field in the first game of a three-game non-conference series, 2-0. 
 
Both starting pitchers kept the game close in seven innings of work apiece, and the bullpens kept the rhythm going to close the game. Gabriel Hughes (0-2) was largely dominant despite a career-high pitch total, posting six strikeouts and only giving up two hits. Portland starter Bradley McVay (1-0) blanked the Bulldogs and threw four K's, allowing one walk and three hits. RHP Nico Zeglin closed the game after Hughes, striking out four while not allowing a single hit or walk in two innings. 
 
In their last three games, GU has averaged 8.44 hits per outing but struggled to capitalize at the plate against the Pilots (3-4) — the Bulldogs outhit Portland 5-2, but couldn't muster a run at the opportune time and didn't load the bases once. GU struck seven pop flies that were caught, and left six runners stranded on base. Stephen Lund and Tyler Stone led the Zags with two hits each, with Brett Harris supplying the fifth.
 
"Well-played game tonight, we just didn't get the big hit tonight when we had our chances," said Head Coach Mark Machtolf. "Looking forward to getting back out there tomorrow."
 
After four scoreless innings on both sides, Portland's Sam Brown struck first, clubbing in a solo homer for the game's first run. GU was held scoreless for the next two frames until an RBI from Jake Tsukada earned run No. 2 for UP. Gabe Hughes staunched the inning by retiring two more batters, but GU's attempt at a game-changing run in the eighth was snuffed out by groundout by Guthrie Morrison and a flyout from Harris.
 
Inside the series
GU leads the all-time series 51-14. Portland's win snapped a 12-game losing streak against the Bulldogs, with Portland's previous win coming in 2015. GU has never lost more than two games in a season to Portland, but will face them two more times in Spokane and three more times in Portland in May.
 
Next Up
GU looks to even the series on Saturday, with first pitch pushed to 3 p.m. due to expected weather. William Kempner (0-0, 4.26) will make his first career start on the mound for the Bulldogs, facing Portland RHP Christian Peters (1-1, 3.75). 
 
Follow the Game
Up-to-date game time information is available on GoZags.com, and free live streaming will be available via the WCC Network. Saturday's matchup begins at 3 p.m.
 
Notes
-Tyler Rando's 15-game on base streak dating back to last season was broken.
-This was the first game this year that GU doubled an opponent's hit total but did not earn a run, and GU's first scoreless game since Feb. 22, 2020 on the road vs. Arkansas.
-Portland didn't hit a double or a triple in the victory.
-Freshman Tyler Stone leads the Zags in slugging percentage (1.00) and OPS (1.667) and is second on the team in on-base percentage (.667)