PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — A nine-run fourth inning, powered by a two-run double from Cody Nitowitz and a two-run single from Brady Bean, propelled the Portland Pilots to a 10-4 victory over the Holy Cross Crusaders in nonconference baseball Friday at Joe Etzel Field.

The game turned decisively in the bottom of the fourth after Holy Cross had built an early 4-0 lead. Portland sent 14 batters to the plate, capitalizing on a costly error, four walks, a hit batter and four key hits to erase the deficit and take command.

Holy Cross struck first, scoring a run in the opening inning on Braden Connors’ double down the left-field line. The Crusaders added another in the second when Colin Brown’s single through the left side scored Alex Sandell, who had reached on an error and advanced on a failed pickoff attempt. The Crusaders collected 10 hits but stranded numerous baserunners and grounded into two double plays.

Portland’s offense, which managed only eight hits, was dormant until the third when Bean launched a solo home run to left field. The real damage came an inning later against Holy Cross reliever Pedro Leon. After starter Trey Newmann allowed two runs over five innings, Leon failed to record an out in the fourth, walking four batters and allowing a hit.

With the bases loaded and one run already in, Nitowitz greeted new pitcher Aidan Gilbert with a two-run double down the left-field line, tying the game at 4. Bean followed with a two-run single through the left side, giving Portland a 6-4 lead it would not relinquish. The inning continued with a fielding error by Holy Cross second baseman Simon Landry, a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded and a two-run single from Nolan Miller before Nick Harnisch entered and finally ended the frame.

Harnisch provided the lone bright spot for Holy Cross, throwing 4 2/3 innings of hitless, scoreless relief with four strikeouts after the game was out of reach.

Portland added an unearned run in the fifth when Bean, who finished 4 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs, scored on a throwing error by shortstop Owen Stelzer. Bean’s performance continued a strong series against Holy Cross.

Holy Cross scored single unearned runs in the fifth and eighth innings, both aided by Portland errors. Stelzer drove in one with a single in the eighth.

Kaden Segel earned the win in relief for Portland, pitching four scoreless innings and allowing just three hits while striking out three. Newmann received a no-decision. Leon took the loss for Holy Cross.

With the win, Portland evened its season record at 6-6. Holy Cross fell to 4-9. The teams continue their four-game series Saturday.