Niagara’s late rallies fall short as Portland pulls away for 8-5 win at Joe Etzel Field

Portland uses middle innings to overturn early deficit

Portland scored seven runs across the first four innings Friday night to secure an 8-5 victory over Niagara at Joe Etzel Field in Portland, Oregon, overcoming a quick two-run opening by the visiting Purple Eagles.

Niagara (0-7) struck immediately, loading early pressure on Portland’s defense and taking a 2-0 lead before the Pilots recorded an out. Noah Konings opened the game with a single, Rees Kozar followed with an RBI triple, and Jacob Brooks added an RBI single to bring Kozar home.

Portland (3-5) responded in the bottom of the first when Dakota Chun doubled to drive in Brady Bean, trimming the deficit to 2-1. The Pilots then moved in front in the second inning on a sequence that included a walk, multiple stolen bases, and a throwing error, before Bean delivered an RBI single to put Portland ahead 3-2.

Key swing: two-run homer extends Portland’s lead

Portland widened its advantage in the third inning on a two-run home run by Salk, pushing the margin to 5-2. Niagara answered in the top of the third when Konings doubled and scored on a Curtis McKay single, cutting the gap to 5-3.

The Purple Eagles continued to chip away in the fourth. Brooks reached on a throwing error, moved to third on an Elijha Hammill single, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Green, making it a one-run game at 5-4.

Portland’s response in the bottom of the fourth proved decisive. The Pilots added two runs, including a sacrifice fly by Salk and an RBI single by Cole KatayamaStall, building separation that Niagara could not fully erase.

Niagara’s offense keeps pressure on, but Portland closes out

Niagara scored again in the fifth inning when Konings reached with a single and later came home on an infield single by Brooks. With the bases loaded later in the inning, Niagara threatened to pull closer, but the rally ended on a strikeout, leaving Portland in control.

Portland added an insurance run on a leadoff home run to center field, bringing the final to 8-5. Niagara relievers Eddie Dolansky and Jack Dickinson combined to limit further damage over the later innings.

• Niagara leaders: Konings went 3-for-5; Kozar and Brooks had two hits each.
• Pitching notes: Niagara starter Fink struck out six; Dolansky struck out four over three innings while allowing one unearned run.
• Series note: Niagara’s all-time record against Portland moved to 1-3.

Next scheduled game: Niagara and Portland were set to continue the series Saturday, February 28, with a 3 p.m. first pitch in Portland.