Rainy Series Opener in Bellevue Features Divergent Fortunes

BELLEVUE, Wash. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in early-season form will be on display Thursday when the surging Portland Pilots visit the struggling Seattle Redhawks at Bannerwood Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. under a forecast of 48-degree temperatures and rain.

The Pilots (18-8) enter riding high, having won eight of their last ten games. They are fresh off a commanding 3-0 road victory over Oregon on Tuesday, powered by a combined shutout from their bullpen. Portland’s pitching has been a strength, allowing three or fewer runs in six of their last eight wins.

A key figure in that effort is two-way player Aaron Louis. The right-hander was dominant against the Ducks, throwing four hitless, scoreless innings with three strikeouts. In his last two pitching appearances, spanning 7 2/3 innings, he has allowed just two hits and zero earned runs.

The Redhawks (5-18) are mired in an opposite trajectory, having lost 12 of their last 13 contests. They were shut out 10-0 by Washington State on Tuesday. Seattle’s bullpen has been taxed, and a bright spot recently has been reliever Luke Alwood. He has not allowed a hit in his last three appearances, covering 4 2/3 innings, though command issues led to three earned runs against San Francisco on March 28.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a Portland victory, 8-3.

The teams will continue the series at Bannerwood Park on Friday and Saturday.