BELLEVUE, Wash. (Interstat) — The Seattle Redhawks, defying preseason projections and recent form, used a relentless offensive attack to defeat the first-place Portland Pilots 6-2 on Friday night at Bannerwood Park.

The victory, fueled by 14 hits and a clutch pitching performance, gave the Redhawks their second consecutive win in the series after taking the opener Thursday. It improved Seattle’s record to 7-18, while the Pilots, who entered with an 18-9 mark, have now dropped two straight.

The game’s pivotal shift occurred in the middle innings, erasing Portland’s early lead. The Pilots struck quickly against Seattle starter Kale Hammer when Cole Katayama-Stall launched a solo home run to right field in the top of the first inning. Portland added another run in the fourth on an RBI groundout by Caden Stewart, scoring B. Bean, who had doubled.

That 2-0 lead was protected masterfully by Portland starter Trey Newmann, who did not allow a hit through five innings. However, command issues and defensive miscues proved costly in the bottom of the fifth. After Newmann issued a one-out single to K. Rhein and a stolen base, catcher Tyler Horner delivered an RBI single to put Seattle on the board. A failed pickoff attempt by Newmann allowed Horner to take second, and he scored the tying run on an RBI single by Beauchaine. Another single loaded the bases before Newmann escaped, but the damage was done.

The Redhawks seized control for good in the seventh against Portland reliever Kaden Segel. With two on and two out, pinch-hitter Royce Hale delivered a go-ahead RBI single, scoring Horner. Hayden Carlson followed with another run-scoring single to make it 5-2. Carlson finished 3 for 4 with two RBIs, and Horner went 3 for 4 with two RBIs.

Seattle added an insurance run in the eighth on Horner’s second RBI single.

Hammer earned the win for Seattle, battling through seven strong innings. He allowed two runs on six hits, striking out eight and walking none. After the rocky first, he retired 15 of the final 18 batters he faced. Ryan Stone closed the game with two scoreless innings of relief.

Newmann took the loss for Portland, charged with three runs, two earned, on three hits over five innings. He struck out eight but walked four. The Pilots managed eight hits but went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

Jonas Salk had two hits, including a ninth-inning double, for Portland.

The teams continue the series Saturday afternoon at Bannerwood Park.